Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0000-7378-4617

Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

English

Reader 1

Tessie Prakas

Reader 2

Thomas Koenigs

Abstract

The infamous epic poem Paradise Lost has influenced and dominated literary history. John Milton has inspired literary scholars through centuries of debate, criticism, and curiosity. In “Free Will and Obedience in the Separation Scene of Paradise Lost” Diane McColley states that “Adam and Eve before the Fall are engaged in the process of growing by making responsible choices in a world of limitless potentiality” (McColley 106). I present an argument in contention with this statement, choice is not limitless in the epic but rather bounded by relationships — one cannot choose for oneself without consequences. Bringing us to my thesis, I offer the conclusion that choices made in Paradise Lost are in service of relationships and are motivated by the prospect of strengthening family. However, authentic choices can only be made through the full development of reason, leading to a comparison of pre and postlapsarian decision-making.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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