Paradise Lost (Book 11) - John Milton
/Paradise Lost (Book 11) - John Milton/
Michael’s Revelation and Humanity’s Uncertain Destiny
Original (Line 1): Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood
English (Line 1): Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood
Original (Line 2): Praying, for from the mercy-seat above
English (Line 2): Praying, for from the mercy-seat above
Original (Line 3): Prevenient grace descending had removed
English (Line 3): Prevenient grace descending had removed
Original (Line 4): The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh
English (Line 4): The stony from their hearts, and made new flesh
Original (Line 5): Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed
English (Line 5): Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breathed
Original (Line 6): Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer
English (Line 6): Unutterable, which the Spirit of prayer
Original (Line 7): Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight
English (Line 7): Inspired, and winged for Heaven with speedier flight
Original (Line 8): Than loudest oratory: yet their port
English (Line 8): Than loudest oratory: yet their port
Original (Line 9): Not of mean suitors, nor important less
English (Line 9): Not of mean suitors, nor important less
Original (Line 10): Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair
English (Line 10): Seemed their petition, than when the ancient pair
Excerpt from the opening of Book 11. Full text is in the public domain.
In Book 11 of “Paradise Lost,” John Milton focuses on the aftermath of the Fall as Adam and Eve, having just received their sentence in Book 10, repent for their disobedience. Milton opens this passage with the pair in a posture of contrition, invoking God’s mercy. Their prayers signal a transformation of heart—what Milton calls “Prevenient grace descending”—as their sorrow and guilt lead them to seek divine guidance.
It is at this point that the archangel Michael arrives to deliver grave news and a prophetic glimpse into humanity’s future. Michael does not merely reaffirm God’s judgment; instead, he escorts Adam on a visionary journey through key events that will shape the human condition outside Eden. Adam witnesses the pain of childbirth, the toil of labor, and the inevitability of death—concepts that were once unknown in a state of innocence. Through this vision, Milton explores how free will, when misused, ripples through generations.
Even amid the pronounced consequences of sin, threads of hope persist. Michael reveals that grace and redemption remain possible, hinting at humanity’s eventual salvation. Adam’s despair over leaving Eden is somewhat mitigated by the reassuring promise that, although paradise is lost on Earth, true spiritual communion can endure.
The emotional crux of Book 11 lies in Adam’s realization that he must shoulder the responsibility for future generations—his failings may doom many, yet his repentance and perseverance can offer them a guiding light. By the end of the book, Milton underscores a complex but vital lesson: that the path forward blends sorrow with hope, and exile with the seed of redemption.
Key points
1. Genuine repentance fosters a renewed spiritual connection.
2. Visions of humanity’s future reveal both suffering and hope.
3. Free will brings lasting consequences for all descendants.
4. Even in exile, the possibility of redemption endures.
