Was John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ Influenced by the Biblical Story of Satan as the Snake?

John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, is a masterpiece of literary and theological exploration. It retells the biblical story of the fall of Adam and Eve, painting a vivid picture of sin, temptation, and the consequences of disobedience. However, the roots of this narrative extend far beyond Milton’s work. The Genesis account is much older, and the Bible itself provides crucial details that influenced Milton. Milton took the core story but expanded it, filling in gaps and adding dramatic elements, but the fundamental narrative remains rooted in the biblical source material.

The Genesis Account and Biblical Influence

The Garden of Eden narrative, as described in the first few chapters of the book of Genesis, is a foundational part of the Bible. This ancient account tells the story of Adam and Eve’s creation and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience. Central to this story is the role of the serpent, which is identified as Satan in later biblical texts. The Genesis narrative is far older than Milton, and its influence permeates through subsequent retellings throughout history.

The Role of the Serpent in Genesis

In the Genesis account, the serpent is a cunning and persuasive character that deceives Eve. God warns Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but the serpent tempts them with the promise of wisdom and immortality. The serpent specifically refers to God’s commandment as a lie, sowing seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind. This deceptive act directly leads to the fall of humanity, and as a result, the deaths of Adam and Eve and all their descendants. The serpent’s cunning and deceitfulness are condemned by both Jesus and other biblical authors for leading to the corruption of humanity.

The Bible itself provides clear identification of the serpent as a manifestation of Satan. In Revelation 12:9, the serpent is explicitly named as the “great dragon” or the “original serpent,” and he is referred to as “Satan” and the “Devil.” Additionally, in John 8:44, Jesus directly links the serpent with Satan, labeling him a murderer and the father of lies. These passages emphasize the primordial essence of Satan’s deceit and the devastating consequences of his actions.

John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ and its Source Material

Milton’s Paradise Lost was written in the 17th century and is a poetic retelling of the biblical story. However, while he did stretch certain aspects of the story to make it more dramatic and credible, the fundamental narrative remains rooted in the biblical account. Milton’s adaptation of the story is noted for its poetic and artistic enhancements, rather than substantial departure from the original text.

Milton’s depiction of Satan casts him as a tragic figure, a fallen angel who rebels against God and is ultimately cast out of heaven. In Paradise Lost, Satan retains his intelligence and ambition but is also portrayed as a liar and a murderer, much like the biblical portrayal. The serpent, in Milton’s work, is a manifestation of Satan. Milton’s portrayal of the serpent as a cunning and deceitful figure parallels the Genesis narrative, emphasizing the role of temptation and deception in the fall of man.

The Influence of Biblical Texts on Milton’s Poem

Milton’s poem is rich with references to the biblical narrative. Throughout Paradise Lost, he incorporates the themes of free will, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of disobedience. The Genesis account of the serpent acting as Satan is a cornerstone of Milton’s work. Milton’s portrayal of the serpent as a deceitful being who tempts Eve directly reflects the biblical depiction, reinforcing the idea that the serpent is Satan and the embodiment of evil.

The identification of the serpent as Satan is consistent throughout Milton’s poem. In Book I, Satan narrates his fall from grace and his decision to tempt Adam and Eve. He speaks of the garden as a trap set by God and his desire to thwart God’s plans through deception. This narrative aligns closely with the biblical text, wherein the serpent deceives Eve and leads to their fall. In Milton’s poem, Satan’s role is expanded, but the essential nature of his deceit remains unchanged.

Conclusion

In summary, John Milton’s Paradise Lost is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, particularly the role of the serpent as Satan. While Milton expanded on the biblical text to create a more dramatic and poetic work, the core themes and characters remain faithful to the Genesis account. The serpent, as Satan, remains a central figure in both the biblical and Miltonic narratives, embodying deception and leading to the fall of humanity. Whether Satan influenced the story of the serpent in some parts of the Genesis narrative or if it was the other way around, the influence is undeniable.

Whether you look at it from a literary or theological perspective, the biblical influence on Paradise Lost is profound. Milton’s work serves as a poetic retelling that captures the essence of the original narrative, reinforcing the importance of the serpent as Satan in the story of Adam and Eve.