Paradise Lost, Book 1 summary

What happens

1. The narrator asks for divine guidance and identifies Satan’s pride and rebellion as the source of humanity’s temptation.
2. Satan and Beelzebub discuss their defeat, enduring strength, and determination to oppose God.
3. Satan reaches solid ground, summons the fallen angels, and restores their courage as they assemble in military ranks.
4. The narrator names leading rebels and describes their worship among human peoples.
5. Satan proposes secret attacks and mentions a rumored new world and favored race as a possible target.
6. Mammon directs mining, Mulciber supplies architectural skill, and the rebels gather in Pandemonium as their council begins.

In this book

What to notice

Satan values command above heavenly happiness. The declaration makes his refusal to submit central to the rebels’ renewed organization.

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