PLOT SUMMARY OF PARADISE LOST

Book XII

BY EILY-MEG MACQUEEN

Michael then explains what else is to come, including the story of Nimrod building the irreligious Babel, and the faithful Abraham who is promised land by God to start a new community and whose work is continued by Isaac, Jacob and Moses. Michael also reassures Adam that Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, will overcome Satan and Death through his own crucifixion and so, comforted about the future, Adam and Eve are led out of Paradise:

They looking back, all the eastern side beheld
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat,
Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate
With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms:
Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon;
The world was all before them, where to choose
Their place of rest, and providence their guide:
They hand in hand with wandering steps and slow,
Through Eden took their solitary way.
                                               ~XII.641-end.

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Milton and the Critics