Milton's Condemnation of Eve in Paradise Lost

In Book IX of Paradise Lost, Milton’s describes mankind’s descent from paradise as Satan successfully tempts Adam and Eve’s to eat the Forbidden Fruit. Although both Adam and Eve contribute to the fall, Milton ultimately places the blame onto Eve. The initiation of the fall commences from Eve’s suggestion to “divide our [Adam and Eve’s] labours” (Book IX. 214). Eve wishes to work separately in order to finish more of the work. However, Adam warns her about the existence of a common foe lingering in the garden. He worries that Eve solitude will make her an easier target because when “danger or dishonour lurks,/ Safest and seemliest by her [Eve’s] Husband staies,/ Who guards her, or with her the worst endures” (Book IX. 267-69). Eve brushes off Adam’s concerns because she believes herself to be capable enough to stand up against Satan. Sadly, Eve overestimated her abilities as she was easily manipulated by Satan. When she listened to Satan’s reasoning his “words replete with guile/ Into her heart too easie entrance won” (Book IX. 733-34). Eve furthers doom mankind by evoking the same corruption onto Adam. After she falls from grace, Eve readily searches for Adam to offer him the Forbidden Fruit. She tempts Adam by using her “Femal charm” (Book IX. 999). Adam makes a “choice to incur/Divine displeasure for her sake” and falls with Eve (Book IX. 992-93).

Milton describes innocence as purity and “ease of Mind” (Book IX.1120). After Eve and Adam first sin, they lose all of their initial innocence. The two characters minds are restless as they are constantly surrounded with thoughts of “Passions, Anger, Hate, / Mistrust, Suspicion, [and] Discord. Their once tranquil minds are filled with unnecessary negative emotions, which summoned unpleasant behaviors. Adam and Eve are claimed by reason and sexual lust as their once pure intercourse is filled with hasty passion and pleasure. The loss of innocence also creates vanity as Adam and Eve both value themselves more over the other as they argue throughout the end of Book IX about who is to blame for mankind’s damnation. None of the characters accept responsibility and only blame one another.

In Book X, Adam and Eve resolve their conflict by reflecting on their sin and accepting one another’s apologies, Initially, Adam condemns Eve for inflicting their current situation. He is angry for being banished out of Eden and lashes out onto Eve. However, Eve collectively accepts Adams anger and “beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not” (Book X. 918). She agrees that she leads to their damnation and weeps at his feet submissively. By listening to Eve’s sincere words, Adam calms down and forgives Eve for her temptation and disobedience. The couple love is once again renewed as they both accept each other for their flaws. Together, the couple seeks God and askes for forgiveness.

After the fall, the couple’s marriage evolves into a more mature and realistic relationship. Unlike their prior communion, they are not at a peaceful and naïve state of mind. The couple is faced with several tribulations and must overcome this in the name of love. Their new relationship requires effort as the couple must accept each other’s flaws and create compromises. Adam and Eve marriage is no longer a simple relationship but bears more complexity and depth than ever