Paradise Lost, Book 9 summary
Book 9 of 12 · 42 min to read the book
In Book 9, Satan returns to Eden, enters a serpent, and finds Eve alone after she persuades Adam to let her work apart from him. Claiming that fruit gives him reason and speech, he leads her to the forbidden tree, where she repeats God's prohibition and he prepares a stronger appeal.
What happens
- The narrator announces a tragic subject and seeks heavenly help for a heroism beyond warfare.
- Satan secretly enters Eden through the Tigris and possesses a sleeping serpent as his instrument of deception.
- Eve proposes separate gardening, and Adam warns that their enemy seeks an advantage when they are apart.
- Eve defends her ability to resist temptation, receives Adam's permission, and leaves with a promise to return by noon.
- Finding Eve alone, Satan briefly loses his malice before renewing his purpose and flattering her through the serpent.
- The serpent claims fruit grants speech and reason, guides Eve to the forbidden tree, and challenges the restriction she describes.
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In this book
What to notice
Adam distinguishes avoiding danger from proving strength through a test. His warning frames the dispute over Eve's decision to work alone.
Quick check
What does the serpent claim gives him reason and speech?
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