In John Milton's, Paradise Lost, what is Satan's main motive for temptin Adam and Eve to sin?
a. He envied them
b. he wanted revenge against God
c. he hated humans
d. he loved practical jokes
This site will help you answer this question.
http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/paradiselost/summary.html
In order to determine Satan's main motive for tempting Adam and Eve to sin in John Milton's Paradise Lost, we need to closely examine the text and analyze his actions and words. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Read the relevant passages: Start by reading the sections in Paradise Lost in which Satan interacts with Adam and Eve, such as Book IX.
2. Identify Satan's actions and words: Pay attention to what Satan does and says throughout the story. Look for instances where he explains his intentions or expresses his motives.
3. Analyze motivations: Based on the information gathered from the text, consider the various possible motives for Satan's actions. Evaluate each option against the evidence you have collected.
4. Contrast motivations: Compare the different options and assess which one aligns best with Satan's behavior and beliefs portrayed by Milton.
Now, given the provided answer choices, let's analyze each one:
a. He envied them: While it is true that Satan demonstrates envy towards Adam and Eve's happiness in Paradise, this alone might not be his main motive for tempting them to sin.
b. He wanted revenge against God: Although Satan holds bitterness towards God for casting him out of Heaven, seeking revenge against God seems to be a secondary motive in his plan.
c. He hated humans: While Satan does have a disdain for humans, this hatred alone might not be the primary driving force behind his actions.
d. He loved practical jokes: Satan's motivations go beyond a simple desire for amusement or practical jokes. The stakes and consequences of his actions are far too serious to be considered mere jokes.
Based on an analysis of Satan's motivations throughout Paradise Lost, the most accurate option is b. Satan's main motive for tempting Adam and Eve to sin was his desire for revenge against God. This motive is presented through his rebellion and discontent with his current state after being cast out of Heaven.
Remember that Milton's portrayal of Satan is complex and multifaceted, so there might be various additional factors influencing his actions. Always refer back to the text and use critical thinking to deduce the motivations.