Paradise Lost, written by John Milton, is an epic poem that explores the fall of mankind and the concept of free will. Throughout the poem, various characters express their thoughts and beliefs regarding free will and its consequences. These Paradise Lost quotes about free will offer valuable insights into the theme of choice and its impact on human destiny.
In the poem, Milton presents the idea that humans have the ability to make choices and determine their own fates. However, these choices may have profound consequences, both positive and negative. The following quotes from Paradise Lost highlight the characters’ musings on free will:
1. “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” – Satan
2. “I made him just and right, sufficient to have stood, though free to fall.” – God
3. “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” – Satan
Read these Paradise Lost quotes about free will
4. “Evil be thou my good.” – Satan
5. “Which way I fly is Hell; myself am Hell.” – Satan
6. “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.” – Satan
7. “So farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear, farewell remorse.” – Satan
8. “What though the field be lost? All is not lost; th’unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and courage never to submit or yield.” – Satan
9. “To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell: better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” – Satan
10. “Awake, arise, or be forever fallen.” – Satan
11. “Not free, what proof could they have given sincere of true allegiance, constant faith or love.” – Raphael
12. “What is faith, love, virtue unassayed alone, without external help sustained?” – Raphael
13. “Not free, what proof could they have given sincere of true allegiance, constant faith or love.” – Raphael
14. “Knowledge forbidden? Suspicious, reasonless. Why should their Lord envy them that? Can it be sin to know, can it be death?” – Adam
15. “O goodness infinite, goodness immense! That all this good of evil shall produce, and evil turn to good.” – Adam
16. “Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay to mold me man? Did I solicit thee from darkness to promote me?” – Adam
17. “For only in destroying I find ease to my relentless thoughts.” – Adam
18. “So farewell hope, and with hope farewell fear, farewell remorse.” – Adam
19. “What though the field be lost? All is not lost; th’unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and courage never to submit or yield.” – Adam
20. “To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell: better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” – Adam
These quotes from Paradise Lost provide a glimpse into the complex nature of free will and its consequences. Whether it is Satan’s rebellious desire for power or Adam’s contemplation of his choices, Milton’s epic poem invites readers to reflect on the implications of human agency and the responsibility that comes with it.
