“justify the ways of God to men”

Answer the following four questions and submit. Each answer should be 2-3 sentences.

1. Milton’s stated purpose is to “justify the ways of God to men” (1.26). How does Milton show the justice of God?

2. How does Milton portray an individual’s free will and God’s will in Paradise Lost? What does

Satan think about his free will and God’s power and control?

3. If God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful), then why would God allow

Satan to rebel against him and, later, allow Adam and Eve to do the same?

4. Paradise Lost begins with Satan and his fall, and Satan speaks first and at length in the beginning of the poem. Why do you think Milton would begin the poem by focusing on Satan, instead of focusing on God or Adam and Eve, allowing Satan to give his side of the story before readers are exposed to other points of view?