Book VIII of John Miltons Paradise Lost Essay -- VIII Milton Paradise

Book VIII of John Miltons Paradise helplessAs Book VIII of John Miltons Paradise bewildered begins, the new-waked human pass ponders the nature of the universe and the motion of the stars (ll. 4-38). When Adam has finish his speech, Milton takes the opportunity to describe eve, who is listening nearby. We find Eve reclining in the Garden, unless with grace, non laziness she sat retired in sight,/With lowliness terrific from her seat (41-42). This lowliness majestic is the central phrase to understanding Eves charactershe is both humble and glorious. Everything that beholds her is captivated by her grace that won who saw to respect her stay (43). Even in this paradise, every some other beautiful launching is drawn to Eve. She walks among the fruits and flowrs, and they all light up in her posture (44-47). In line 44, Milton replaces the with her to describe these fruits and flowers, indicating that they belong to her--she is want a pay off to all things that bud a nd bloom (45). He even uses the term her nursery to describe Eves relationship with the Garden, signifying that Eve nurses the growing things like she would her children (46). As their mother arrives, the plants all perk up they at her advance sprung/And touched by her fair tendance gladlier grew (46-47). Eve is beyond beautifulnot only does all creation adore and marvel at her, in her presence, each created thing is renewed. Her glory is found in her outward appearance and her ability to bring things to life, while her humility is in her character. Contrast Eve to the witch-queen Jadis in C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia. Both are exceptionally beautiful and possess a sort of magicEve to bring things to life and Jadis to destroy them. However,... ...e in the relationship. Certainly Adam could speak wisdom to the animals in the Garden, but he speaks to Eve because she is his equal. She is the one to whom Adam prefers to relate his thoughts, simply because he is delight b y her. In a sense, she is his only listenerthe only listener for him. Eve has the choice of how she will receive wisdom, but Her husband the relater she preferred/Before the angel, and of him to ask/Chose rather (52-54). Not only does Adam charter Eve to relate his thoughts to, but she chooses him to relate wisdom to her. Though there are only two humans in Paradise, Milton presents the relationship of Adam and Eve as one of choice. Both partners could get what they need from other sources, but they choose to receive wisdom and respect from one some other instead. The fulfillment of their needs is more enjoyable in the context of love.