“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” John Milton

My intention to model this article on the famous epic “Paradise Lost” by John Milton is to draw a parallel between the biblical and political theme manifested in the book and the book of Kashmir that I have called here – Paradise Lost –II. I shall try my level best to make a balance between the between the two narratives. The metaphoric “paradise” serves the purpose of realistic paradise of Kashmir that was once considered the place of spiritual growth, heavenly beauty and divine qualities like honesty, truthfulness, dedication, devotion and purity same as the qualities of heaven that tempt a man of any belief or faith. John Milton wrote “Paradise Lost” in 1667 with a twofold theme of Adam’s disobedience to God and the expelling of Adam and Heaven from the paradise.And the subsequent “Paradise Regained” in 1671 in order to reflect the weakness of mankind and ways of God towards him.

Paradise Lost

It is biblical in nature as it covers the theme of “sin” and “redemption” by mankind through Adam and Eve. And the role of Satin is intensified by Milton as a corrupting agency. God created Adam and subsequently Eve from him.Provided them with every comfort in the heaven. Not only this, but raised their status by making the angelic folk bow before Adam. As the parable goes like Adam and Eve were prohibited from eating the forbidden fruit. But the Satin had planned with the fallen angels to tempt them with the intention that they would be expelled from heaven and he would role it. But God had warned the angels in advance that if they don’t obey him, they will be banished from heaven and put in the hell. Satin did not follow the commandments of God and hence got punished. But his rigidity and prodigal nature made him plot against Adam and eve. He entered the heaven in the form of a serpent and tempted Eve by giving her a sedative advice to eat the forbidden fruit. Eventually they fell prey to his sedative counseling and were banished from the heaven and put in the world. Consequently they got separated from one another a period of five thousand years and after they repented for their sin, they got redemption and were forgiven, but with a worldly life.
At the heart of Paradise Lost are the themes of free will and the moral consequences of disobedience. Milton seeks to "justify the ways of God to men," addressing questions of predestination, human agency, and the nature of good and evil. The poem begins in medias res, with Satan and his fallen angels cast into Hell after their failed rebellion against God. Milton's Satan, portrayed with both grandeur and tragic ambition, is one of the most complex and debated characters in literary history, particularly for his perceived heroism by some readers. The poem's portrayal of Adam and Eve emphasizes their humanity, exploring their innocence, before the Fall of Man, as well as their subsequent awareness of sin. Through their story, Milton reflects on the complexities of human relationships, the tension between individual freedom and obedience to divine law, and the possibility of redemption. Despite their transgression, the poem ends on a note of hope, as Adam and Eve leave Paradise with the promise of salvation through Christ. Milton's epic has been praised for its linguistic richness, theological depth, and philosophical ambition. However, it has also sparked controversy, particularly for its portrayal of Satan, whom some readers interpret as a heroic or sympathetic figure. Paradise Lost continues to inspire scholars, writers, and artists, remaining a cornerstone of literary and theological discourse.

Paradise Regained

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist. Satan schemes with the demons against Jesus after witnessing the baptism. In Heaven, God tells the angels of Satan's arrogance, and He is praised. Jesus then fasts in the wilderness for 40 days. Satan tempts Jesus with bread but is rebuked. Jesus allows Satan to linger with limitations, staying vigilant. Night falls. Simon the Zealot and Andrew the Apostle witness Jesus' baptism, recognizing Him as the Messiah. They lose sight of Him, prompting a frantic search. Jesus' mother, Mother Mary, shares their concern, recalling a time when she lost Jesus at 12 years old. Satan tells his demons of the challenging temptation ahead, dismissing Belial's honey trapping suggestion due to his belief in pride's strength. Jesus dreams of Elijah fed by ravens, and then resists temptations of Satan: a banquet is offered and rejected; He is tempted with money, and reminds Satan of King David's humble beginnings. Satan flatters Christ's wisdom but taunts his lack of achievement compared to Alexander the Great at 30. Jesus rejects violence, seeing suffering as his path. Satan suggests alliances and freeing the Ten Tribes, but Christ chooses divine providence. Satan tempts Christ with Ancient Rome, offering all kingdoms in exchange for His allegiance. Christ declines, rebuking Satan by referencing the Book of Exodus. Satan tries to tempt Christ with Ancient Greek wisdom, but Jesus prefers the Psalms. Satan then subjects Christ to a perilous night before attempting to lure Him to Jerusalem's temple. Jesus resists, quoting Scripture. Satan fails, and angels aid Christ and return Him to Mary, celebrating His triumph.
Having given the brief account of both the books let me put the comparative analysis of both the narratives after placing “Kashmir” in between. Adam and Eve disobeyed the God’s commandments, but at the same time they repented for their sins and attained a salvation. Has Kashmir repented for her sins? No, not at all. On the other hand committed sins after sin without a least sense of remorse what she has been doing and what will be the consequences. Adam and Eve had been expelled from the heaven so doses the Kashmir. Rather she is anguished on being expelled from the heaven instead of being ashamed on her sin. It seems quite impossible that the fortune will regain its position and start favoring her again. On the one hand, we expect all heavenly bounties, and on the other hand we don’t want be obedient to the authority of God. At the same time, we are not willing to experience the harsh realities of the hell.
In second narrative, we come to know about the Satin’s temptetation efforts to divert Jesus from the main track and the subsequent resistance showed by Jesus to remain firm on the commandments of God. Despite being offered many tempting opportunities on part Beelzebub, he resists and Satin gets a defeat and dismal. And ultimately Jesus is successful in saving humanity from God’s wrath and punishment. He is tempted with money, and reminds Satan of King David's humble beginnings. Has Kashmir ever resisted the temptation of money and wealth? Have we ever reminded satin of the providence of prophet (pbuh) No, never. Satan flatters Christ's wisdom, but taunts his lack of achievement compared to Alexander the Great at 30. Jesus rejects violence, seeing suffering as his path. Has Kashmir refrained from boasting on their talent? Satan suggests alliances and freeing the Ten Tribes, but Christ chooses divine providence. Satan tempts Christ with Ancient Rome, offering all kingdoms in exchange for His allegiance. Christ declines, rebuking Satan by referencing the Book of Exodus. Satan tries to tempt Christ with Ancient Greek wisdom, but Jesus prefers the Psalms. Satan then subjects Christ to a perilous night before attempting to lure Him to Jerusalem's temple. Jesus resists, quoting Scripture. Satan fails, and angels aid Christ and return Him to Mary, celebrating His triumph.

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