Allusion To Adam's Speech In Book 9
This speech has been seen as an allusion to Adam’s speech in Book IX (Milton 9. 370-75). In both speeches there is an internal rhyme and Eve’s speech alludes and paradoxes mainly phrases that Adam uses. For instance, Eve uses the word “go” to mean staying whereas Adam’s use of “staying” is to go (McGrath 73). The way in which speaks and the subtle rhetoric devices employed hints at her intellect. It could be argued that Book IX Eve has an even higher sense of self-confidence and intelligence than previously demonstrated in the poem. By ascribing the final words, especially about the restoration of order, to Eve Milton gives her a sense of importance. She is the one that tells the audience that everything will be restored and although the
Fall was dentermental, there is still hope.
The speech also demonstrates a sense of maturity and responsibility when she says “my willful crime” because she is accounting for her sin of eating the fruit. In reality, she is not solely to blame, but she was partial to blame and she acknowledges it. Not only does she take responsibility for her sin, but she also references her mistake of not trusting God in Book IX when she says, “consolation yet secure” (McGrath 77). As one critic points out, “There she incorrectly doubted the security of what God had made secure. At the end of Book 12, she does not doubt the security of the consolation of God.” (ibid 77). The use of secure is also meant to show empowerment since it means “safely in one’s possession of power (ibid 77). She is carrying the “Promis’d Seed” and therefore she is possessing power (Milton 12. 623). As a consequence of this newfound sense of power comes a newfound sense of self-confidence.
Fall was dentermental, there is still hope.
The speech also demonstrates a sense of maturity and responsibility when she says “my willful crime” because she is accounting for her sin of eating the fruit. In reality, she is not solely to blame, but she was partial to blame and she acknowledges it. Not only does she take responsibility for her sin, but she also references her mistake of not trusting God in Book IX when she says, “consolation yet secure” (McGrath 77). As one critic points out, “There she incorrectly doubted the security of what God had made secure. At the end of Book 12, she does not doubt the security of the consolation of God.” (ibid 77). The use of secure is also meant to show empowerment since it means “safely in one’s possession of power (ibid 77). She is carrying the “Promis’d Seed” and therefore she is possessing power (Milton 12. 623). As a consequence of this newfound sense of power comes a newfound sense of self-confidence.