Paradise Lost - Book VI - Narrator/Speaker

The narrative voice in the excerpt from "Paradise Lost" Book VI can best be described as:

• A first-person participant recounting personal involvement.

• A limited third-person observer detailing external events.

• An omniscient third-person voice with insights into all aspects of the battle.

• A biased first-person aiming to persuade the reader.

• A second-person voice addressing the reader directly.

The tone established through the diction and syntax in lines 60-65 (“So spake...advent’rous deeds”) primarily serves to:

• Convey a sense of impending doom.

• Elicit a feeling of divine inspiration and heroic readiness.

• Describe the chaotic nature of the battle.

• Invoke a sense of peacefulness before the conflict.

• Create an atmosphere of doubt and trepidation.

In lines 80-85, the diction used to describe Satan's forces ("fierie Region, stretcht...hasting on") most directly suggests:

• An unstoppable natural disaster.

• A disciplined and orderly military force.

• A chaotic and disorganized mob.

• An awe-inspiring and formidable enemy.

• A retreat in the face of superior power.

The phrase "the passive Air upbore/Thir nimble tread" (lines 70-71) contributes to the narrative by:

• Emphasizing the supernatural abilities of the angels.

• Indicating the angels’ respect for the natural environment.

• Showing the angels' hesitation and reluctance to fight.

• Highlighting the weight of the situation on the angels.

• Illustrating the angels' connection with earthly elements.

In the interaction between Abdiel and Satan (lines 110-135), the narrator’s perspective is best revealed by:

• Abdiel’s steadfast resolve in confronting Satan.

• Satan’s haughty and confident stride.

• The narrator’s admiration for Satan’s charisma.

• The detailed description of the armor and weapons.

• The contrast between Abdiel’s and Satan’s visions of victory.

The use of the word “Apostat” (line 175) in Abdiel’s speech serves to:

• Question the commitment of all the angels present.

• Highlight the gravity of Satan’s transgression.

• Suggest a possible redemption for Satan.

• Introduce a new character into the narrative.

• Offer a respectful acknowledgment of Satan's past glory.

Which of the following statements might be considered a valid interpretation of the narrator's perspective throughout the text?

• The narrator is indifferent to the outcome of the celestial battle.

• The narrator seems to lament the necessity of violence among divine beings.

• The narrator glorifies the rebellion as a necessary step for progress.

• The narrator is critical of the motives behind the heavenly conflict.

• The narrator presents the battle as a grand and noble spectacle.

The tone of the opening lines (“So spake the Sovran voice...”) is best described as:

• Whimsical and light-hearted

• Introspective and contemplative

• Foreboding and ominous

• Authoritative and commanding

• Confused and uncertain

Milton’s attitude toward the concept of “Heroic Ardor” (line 65) is best described as:

• Skeptical and critical

• Admiring and supportive

• Detached and impartial

• Mocking and disdainful

• Indifferent and nonchalant

Taken together, the lines 100-105 (“High in the midst...terrible array”) most directly present:

• An account of a peaceful resolution to conflict

• A vivid depiction of the beginning of a celestial battle

• A reflection on the nature of leadership in times of strife

• A description of a festive gathering among the angels

• A narration of the angels’ daily life in heaven