The Original Sin

John Milton's Paradise Lost The family reunion that takes place with Satan, Sin and Death foreshadows the fall of man. Sin and Death are personifications against broken heavenly laws: narcissism, incest and lust. Satan becomes enamored by his own creation because he sees himself in her image; "...who full oft/Thyself in me thy perfect image…" ll. 763-764. However, he goes on to commit two other sins as he lusts and goes off "in secret" …

…her womb at will. The relationship between Satan, Death and Sin is designed to repulse. However, Sin is ten-fold revolting. She is the symbol of all that is evil because all evil acts (although not her own) are embodied within her. She is the martyr for sin as the bearer of the tormented womb where the first sin of the non-mortal world and mankind lie. Sin and Eve are intended to be hated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**