John Milton’s Paradise Lost, particularly Books 11 and 12, recounts a sweeping vision of human history revealed to Adam by the archangel Michael. Within this narrative, numerous individuals from the Old Testament scriptures appear, providing a theological framework for understanding humanity’s fall and subsequent redemption. These characters serve not merely as historical figures, but as exemplars of various human virtues and failings, illustrating the consequences of disobedience and the enduring possibility of grace.
The inclusion of these pre-Christian characters is crucial to Milton’s project. They demonstrate the continuity between the Old Covenant and the New, showing how God’s plan for humanity has unfolded across time. By portraying these figures, Milton offers a historical context to the fall, demonstrating the lineage of sin and suffering, but also the seeds of hope planted early in human history. This strengthens the poem’s theological framework, underscoring the universal impact of the fall and the promise of ultimate salvation through Christ.
