Book: Paradise Lost

“Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light.” -John Milton, Paradice Lost

An angel, with his majestic stature, stares into the deep, dark, clouds which encircle a monolithic figure as he is seated on a throne made of pure glory. In the left hand of this figure is a blue feather, and on his lap lay a book. Within this book lay the names of many individuals, yet to exist. These individuals will reside in what will eventually end up being the perfect earth. The angel, lifting his sword in the sky, charges toward this figure with a rage and malice; being the first ever, to express emotions like these. Suddenly, a blinding light fills the surrounding area, causing all movement to cease. Knowing the evil that has been committed, the angel howls in agony, cursing the very one who created him. Peering through the light, the omnipresent figure lifts his right hand and points directly at the angel, simultaneously opening up a hole in the center of the realm. Being ripped out of the heavenly world, the angel, known as Lucifer, along with his fallen angels, begin their descent into chaos. Pure golden skin peels away revealing horrid boils. Majestic wings now fold and contort giving way to dark protrusions appearing similar to those found on a bat. Reaching the end of their decent, each and every one of the angels look at each other, reeling at the sight of what they have become. As they come into contact with the grey, putrid, magma flowing soil, all of the once glorious angels lift their voices in unity and disharmony, screaming and cursing the very existence of their creator. Casting his eye across the hell they had been sentenced to, the head angel, now known as Satan, chuckles slightly, before turning to his cohorts, revealing a plan, that would destroy the one thing the creator loves: His creation.

I completely agree with the quote given above: Long is the way and hard was the journey… to finally get through this epic poem. Clocking in at just over seven hundred pages, this literary genius describes the fall of Lucifer and his fallen angels from heaven, as well as his influence over the human race. Being a poem directly talking about the events depicted in the Bible, it flows with themes, and symbolism that can be compared and reflected upon within our lives today.

As fallen beings, it is in our nature to disobey and traverse the path we create for ourselves, rather than following the ways, truths, and laws God has set in place. Within the verses of this story, Satan is thrown out of heaven with a third of the angels, who choose to follow him instead of God. We too experience this urge to disobey and rebel against the creator. Due to the temptation, Adam and Eve fell into sin as well. However, this time mans perception of the world has been peeled back to reveal the true horrors sin has in store for those who take part and live in it. The result of this acceptance of sin is that we choose to follow our own ways rather than trusting and pursuing the path and laws in which God originally created us to follow. Based upon the original sin Adam and Eve took apart in, paradise was stripped away from the human race.

The main realization that one should be aware of is that God gave Satan and the human race the choice to experience his grace through their free will. God also gives us the freedom to choose the more attractive way of life; which will ultimately lead to death. The rejection of Gods laws drove Satan out of heaven along with Adam and Eve out of the garden. Therefore, the rejection of Gods laws sets forth the universe changing events that continue the ever-present battle between good and evil.

Unfortunately, no one can resist the urge to do evil. It flows so deeply in our blood that even our fleeting thoughts are fueled with sinful intent. With this sin comes a price that has already been paid in full. This came from suffering and death. Through the sacrifice of Gods son in the form of man, a connection was reestablished between mankind and the creator. This act alone saves us from an eternity of damnation, which is the rightful price we should pay for the wretched life we live. Regardless of the fact this story has been told thousands of times within my life (and I’m sure your’s as well), it is still quite a sobering thought knowing only a fraction of the depth in which Christ suffered for the reengagement of us with him.

Conversely to the previous topic, the obedience of God in all things will only bring an abundance of blessings. We all know that as human beings, we are all granted the gift of being imperfect. However, we are still given the free will to put our faith in God not only in the small things, rather, our entire lives. Milton creates two distinct and rudimentary paths for the reader to take throughout the novel which is present all across the Bible as well. Do we obey or disobey God?

When Satan and his fallen angels finally decide to traverse over the wall to Paradise, Satan feels pain and wonders if evil is the right path for him. He quickly snaps out of it and decides to make evil his chosen path. Satan, along with the other angels then devised a plan to trick Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. Satan disguises himself as a frog to persuade them and Gabriel quickly catches on and bans him from Paradise. Satan was outraged and called a duel with Gabriel but God sent a sign of the golden scales of justice into the sky that terrified him. God can be a spiteful but loving God. In order to keep his creations safe, he would do anything. Gabriel and Adam speak of what is to come from Satan and what could happen if they succumb to his lies and really scares Adam. Eve was asleep and did not hear all that had gone on. The next day Eve went out to get things done and Satan disguises himself as a serpent where he tricks her into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. He tells her that God was testing her and that it is really an act of courage and that God wants her to eat it. After disobeying God, Adam and Eve decide to stay together and repent to show Satan that God is the true ruler. Their disobedience and decision to repent shows the path of redemption.

In my mind, “Paradise Lost” does a fantastic job of showing the two different paths in life. The path of Satan, that is just a downhill battle that just seems to get worse and worse. The other is the path of redemption eventually shown by Adam and Eve. They show that in the end humans are sinful and may fall at times but ultimately they are looking to serve a creator. To show obedience to God is the one thing that He asks. He will forgive if you repent and humble yourself. But, it is the reader’s choice to decide what path is right for them. In my opinion, the path of redemption is the right path to take, because no matter how many times you fall God will pick you back up as long as you are trying. In this book, humankind’s turmoil ultimately leads to human salvation. Disobedience will get you nowhere, but if you repent he will help you.

Taking these thoughts and applying them to daily life, it is quite clear how impactful some of the themes discussed have on us. Going through the changes time presents us with, the importance of staying resolute and obedient to Gods word becomes more vital. As people mature the urge to walk off the path God has created for us becomes more appealing. Examples of this range from a bombardment of an updated social media feed, blaring television screens, and self-help magazines or books presenting the importance of the path “you”  carve out. This novel clearly shows me the black and white nature of what happens when we choose to disobey or obey God. It also instills within me the steadfast love of our creator, and how redemption is made available to us, like an open door. All we have to do is walk through it, willingly, and with humility.

A tame wind quietly sweeps through the swaying trees producing a harmonious rustling sound. As September gives way to October, nature begins to change rapidly. The once lush tender grass shrivels away and greys while the monolithic oak trees begin to shed its leaves it wore so proudly. For individuals, this time of change in the environment sparks a feeling of witnessing something beautiful. One thing that struck me, however, was the fact that the fall season is essentially a foreshadowing to decay, loss, and eventual death. As people take photos of the dead leaves falling from the trees, or covering the sidewalk, they see beauty. With the changing of seasons, things naturally go through the process of dying. As humans, we don’t often see the beauty and opportunity that comes with change. Relationships end, jobs change, personal lifestyles shift, etc… Transformations like these are often viewed as painful and laborious experiences. Sometimes with change comes the eventual conception of death. Death can, however, give life to new things that are perhaps beneficial and beautiful.

Within these previous months, I have found myself thinking deeply about this topic. Preparing for college has lead me to reflect on my life thus far, how I have grown as an individual, and what this transition in my life ultimately means. Segmenting life into seasons is something I haven’t done too much due to my youth. However, looking back at the value and insight I have gained from these meer eighteen years is appalling. One thing that I have recognized in my reflection is that life is always changing. Normally that statement is dramatically cliche, (it is), however, it holds much truth. In my life, notable shifts occurred when I entered elementary school, middle school, and high school. It changed when I got my license and experienced new adventures outside of the country. The challenges, lessons, and experiences that took place within those times ultimately formed who I would become. In the face of some of those hardships, it appeared that it was for no reason; that I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Looking back, however, was not the case in the slightest.

Using dying trees and a metaphor: When the time comes for the trees to let go of its leaves, does it do so willingly and accept this change? I wouldn’t know, I’m asking you… Jokes aside, as the tree eventually looses all of its leaves, we humans place them into large trash bags. What is the purpose of the leaves? They give life to the soil, acting as compost for a new yield in the coming season. Whatever is planted in that area will eventually grow stronger and produce a richer outcome due to the nutrients within the soil.

This can be directly correlated to the way we view the changing seasons of our lives. Sometimes the fallen leaves within our lives (whether pleasant or painful experiences), can be the layer of nutrients our hearts need in order to produce a soil which is enthralling, secure, and enlightened. This soil is the groundwork for the eventual change of character.

As I have quickly found out, within life, we all go through struggles and trials, (some far worse and devastating than others). These experiences encourage us to persevere, which ultimately strengthens our character. The wisdom that has been shared with me countless times is that one must embrace letting go of the painful attributes and replace them with characteristics of humility, love, and peace. Eventually, through the ebbs and flow of this process, we begin to see the small nuggets of value within these dead leaves, which may be the groundwork to light a fire in our hearts, rather than encapsulating or casting them aside.

Stepping off my ivory tower of “wisdom” I want to leave you with this thought. When you go through the growing pains of transitions in your life; whether they bring joy or hurt, my hope for you and myself is that you would see the elegance of the fallen leaves. I personally struggle and am continuously working towards making this mindset flow through my life. Don’t bury these leaves within your subconscious, rather, allow them to become the fertilizer for the soil of your heart, mind, and soul.

-“Life and business is like the changing seasons. You cannot change the seasons, but you can change yourself. Therein lies the opportunity to live an extraordinary life, the opportunity to change yourself.” Jim Rohn

Putrid and dismal smells emanate from the yellow tinted apartment. Shouts of anger, rage, worry, sorrow, and malice pierce through the paper thin walls, similar to how a dagger cuts through a soft, tender piece of flesh. Within the corners of the complex, soft whispers reverberate through the air as dank water leaves the widening fissure, producing an ever-present splash as it disintegrates onto the floor.  Locked away in their rooms are individuals just as tormented as their surroundings. Dressed in rotting and torn rags, caked in the filth of their own, they wallow and scratch at the floor, looking for a mere scrap of nourishment for the prison which is their flesh. Children mindlessly wander around the grey common room. Some braid each other’s hair for a duration none can remember, while others wipe the persistent drips of sweat from their brows, peering outside of the towering decaying concrete giant at those who walk the street.

This is the tone in which the novel, “Crime and Punishment” throws the reader into. These images of poverty, greed, and ramped evil set the underlying tone of this story. Growing up in a very similar fashion, the author, Frederick Dostoevsky pens the morbid tale of a man whose name is later revealed to be Raskolnikov. Recently dropping out of university and having no occupation, Raskolnikov spends his days thinking, contemplating and generally avoiding people all-together. The novel begins with his contemplation of a sin, in which he plans to commit. However, he runs into a moral brick wall. His thoughts (which we, the reader peer into), race back and forth give way to his current mental state. Eventually not being able to pass up a seemingly perfect opportunity, Raskolnikov commits a brutal double homicide. The rest of the novel dives deep into concepts of pitty, wrath, mental health, morality, nihilism, the convicting power and forgiveness of God, and well… crime and punishment.

From the first pages of the text, we observe Raskolnikov’s alienated environment that he has created for himself. Spending little to no time outside or with others, he falls into a mental hole which produces thoughts of higher superiority physically, and mentally. The concept of alienation is something that changes its shade from person to person, lending various outcomes as it begins to mature. For some, it may be a decreased amount of inward and outward expressions of happiness. Raskolnikov’s alienation, however, festered into a disease which later caused him to take the life of two other individuals. We, the reader, sit front row observing his deteriorating mental state, like a doctor looking at a patient on an operating table. This aura surrounding him creates a dense cloud of smoke, leaving him enslaved and trapped.

Reflecting on the overall topic of alienation, although not specifically categorized as one, I believe it shares many traits to a common disorder such as one relating to food or drink. The process all begins with a small seed, planted within one’s mind. With the right conditions and nourishment, this negative mindset begins to fester within us, slowly wrapping itself around our ego. The ground where our feet once stood, give way to faulty pillars, giving the perception of security, peace, self-love; but in actuality, it cracks our mental and moral barrier, giving way to ugly possibilities.

Sometimes, when we so desperately try to achieve something externally, we lose our mental compass and become disconnected internally. Alienation is unfortunately very applicable within these modern times. In this technology-infused society, we as a people, alienate ourselves based on a series of constructs which give way to symptoms that can predestine alienation. From this novels perspective, Raskolnikov loses sight of who he is internally, thus, giving way to his crimes.

With a book that focuses heavily on crime, punishment, and their ramifications, it would be silly to not talk about morality. Morality can commonly be defined as the principals concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Like the topic of alienation, morality differs from person to person depending on a myriad of internal and external factors. The author takes a strong approach to the philosophy of nihilism. This way of thinking is fleshed out profoundly through Raskolnikov. As the story progresses, we see Raskolnikov’s mind endlessly tug back and forth between his new found ideology (nihilism), and his traditional roots (Orthodox Christianity). One of the major questions put forth in this novel is the moral justification of murder. The author does not shy away from showing both the pro’s and con’s, translated through Raskolnikov’s metal conversations. As a society, it is instilled in us that homicidal murder is wrong. Of course, people are entitled to their own opinion so many hold a different interpretation on the concept of murder. Thinking on the topic of morality, specifically relating to crime and murder, it was interesting to see the different philosophies the characters heald based upon things such as their religion, personal or family life, etc… Each and every one of us grow up viewing and experiencing life through a different pair of lenses. Each lens has a different tint based on our worldviews. However, just because we have a unique pair of worldview “shades” doesn’t always make them the right ones.

The last theme that stood out to me through my journey of reading this novel was the theme of redemption. After being sentenced and forced to work, day and night in the cold harsh environment of Siberia, Raskolnikov’s nihilistic spirit eventually breaks. Weeping on the partly frozen cellar floor of his prison cell, he cries out to God to ease his suffering. His final act of the story begins by him picking up a Bible and beginning to read. This last series of chapters drives home the concept of salvation regardless of the evil and filth this world has to offer.

Looking at myself through this, despite my short life on this earth, I have still sinned greatly. This logically separates my soul from the life which Christ provides. But that is just the case… Jesus gave his life for us opening the door for people to enter into his forgiving presence. All we have to do is accept the state that we are in and walk through that door. There may be a profound time in which we break through our guilt, shame, and ask for repentance. Although, repentance is a lifelong process. Similarly to the story of Job, sometimes God may use suffering as a way to eventually evoke repentance and a reflection inward, prompting a greater change.

I will leave you with a quote from a theologian by the name of Soren Kierkegaard on the topic of repentance, “…Repentance must not only have its time but also its time of preparation. And herein lies the need of confession, the holy act that ought to be preceded by preparation. Just as a person changes his clothes for a celebration, so a person preparing for confession is inwardly changed…”

• We live in a society that does not value solitude. Being alone for a long amount of time is terrifying for some. If we grow uncomfortable, we pull out our phones, text our friends, flip through social media feeds, etc. In some cases, we as a species cannot bear to be alone. We live in a world that no longer understands silence. We have phones that are constantly buzzing and ringing. Music blares from our headphones, from our computers, from our cars. Being constantly busy with work and family is normal. How many of us can even find a half hour each day to sit quietly with ourselves, and with God? The unfortunate reality is that not many can spare that time in this day and age. Thomas Merton’s work, “Thoughts in Solitude” was written to remind us all of the value of solitude and silence. Merton challenges us to reevaluate our priorities, question our materialism, and seek Truth. Listed below are a few quotes that rang true to me through reading. This work gives us a beautiful meditation on humanity’s relationship with God and more generally, on humankind’s deep need for silence, stillness, and solitude. Merton states a life with solitude intertwined in it is not one solely for monks. Rather, he presents it as a way and a means of keeping society together. Individual, especially in an interconnected technologically age needs time away from it in order to reconnect and maintain the dialogue with God. Thomas outlines a few spiritual aspects that set the stage for a life with solitude: gratitude, practicing humility, listing, and “keeping awake” Within one of the chapters, he sees the concept of silence “the mother of truth.” My closing thought is that in solitude, we surrender ourselves to God and we nurture our love for him and others in our time alone. This in fact, (as Merton states), “the true fruit and purpose of Christian solitude.”
• Quotes
• “In an age when totalitarianism has striven, in every way, to devalue and degrade the human person, we hope it is right to demand a hearing for any and very sane reaction in favor of man’s inalienable solitude and his interior freedom. The murderous din of our materialism cannot be allowed to silence the independent voices which will never cease to speak: whether they be the voices of Christian Saints, or the voices of Oriental sages like Lao-Tse or the Zen Masters, or the voices of men like Thoreau or Martin Buber, or Max Picard. It is all very well to insist that man is a ‘social animal’ – the fact is obvious enough. But that is no justification for making him a mere cog in a totalitarian machine – or in a religious one either, for that matter” 
• “The desert is the home of despair. And despair, now, is everywhere. This, then, is our desert: to live facing despair, but not to consent” 
• “The things that we love tell us what we are” 
• “Everybody has an instinctive desire to do good things and avoid evil. But that desire is sterile as long as we have no experience of what it means to be good” 
• “Laziness and cowardice put our own present comfort before the love of God. They fear the uncertainty of the future because they place no trust in God” 
• “Without courage, we can never attain to true simplicity. Cowardice keeps us ‘double-minded’ – hesitating between the world and God. In this hesitation, there is no true faith – faith remains an opinion. This hesitation is the death of hope” 
• “We do not really know what it is to forgive until we know what it is to be forgiven” 
• “Your life is shaped by the end you live for. You are made in the image of what you desire 

• “The solution of the problem is life itself. Life is not attained by reasoning and analysis, but first of all by living. For until we have begun to live our prudence has no material to work on. And until we have begun to fail we have no way of working out our success”

• “A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live” 
• “In solitude, I have at last discovered that You have desired the love of my heart, O my God, the love of my heart as it is – the love of a man’s heart”