Paradise Lost, Book 3 summary
Book 3 of 12 · 25 min to read the book
In Book 3, God foretells humanity’s disobedience, defends freedom of choice, and accepts the Son’s offer to die for humankind, establishing a means of redemption through grace. Meanwhile, Satan crosses the world’s outer shell, disguises himself as a young cherub, and deceives Uriel into pointing out Paradise before landing on Mount Niphates.
What happens
- The blind narrator invokes heavenly light to illuminate his mind and help him describe what human eyes cannot see.
- God observes Satan’s approach and explains that foreknowledge does not cause the freely chosen rebellion of angels or humans.
- God promises humanity grace but requires payment for sin; the Son freely offers his own life.
- God accepts the offer and declares the Son’s authority, while the angels celebrate both Father and Son.
- Satan crosses the barren outer world, discovers Heaven’s stairs, and flies through the stars toward the sun.
- Disguised as a cherub, Satan gains directions from Uriel and descends to Mount Niphates.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Paradiso perduto, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Inizia 90 giorni gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this book
What to notice
God makes freedom central to his explanation of human responsibility. The capacity to obey does not remove the possibility of choosing disobedience.
Quick check
Why does Uriel direct Satan toward Paradise?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Paradiso perduto, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Inizia 90 giorni gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
