Paradise Lost - Book IX - Structure

Which of the following best describes the serpent’s manipulation of the narrative structure in the text?

• The serpent uses a linear recount of past events to justify his present form and intentions.

• The serpent employs flashbacks to create sympathy for his current state.

• The serpent utilizes a deceptive monologue that distorts the true chronology of events.

• The serpent's speech is a straightforward example of a story within a story.

• The serpent presents an alternative reality through a stream of consciousness.

How does the serpent’s dialogue contribute to the rising action within the plot?

• It introduces a new conflict, leading to the climax of the narrative.

• It presents a calm reflection on past actions, delaying the progression of events.

• It offers resolution to past misunderstandings between characters.

• It accelerates the plot by enticing Eve with the fruit, leading to the narrative's central conflict.

• It slows the pace, allowing characters to develop independent thoughts and actions.

The structure of the serpent's argument (lines 580-630) is most effectively designed to:

• Establish a logical foundation before presenting the main persuasive appeal.

• Create a narrative that distracts from the central issue of obedience.

• Sequence the serpent's points to culminate in an emotional peak.

• Offer a factual recount of events, building to a logical conclusion.

• Gradually build a rapport with Eve, culminating in the proposition of eating the fruit.

What is the function of the contrast between the serpent’s proclaimed wisdom and Eve’s initial hesitance?

• To underscore the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

• To highlight Eve's vulnerability to the serpent's cunning words.

• To juxtapose the innocence of Eve with the malice of the serpent.

• To illustrate the varying degrees of understanding of the divine command.

• To demonstrate a shift from trust to skepticism in Eve's character.

The event of Eve eating the fruit primarily serves to:

• Provide a moment of comic relief in the narrative.

• Resolve the tension between the serpent's argument and God's command.

• Illustrate the concept of free will and choice in the narrative.

• Signify the culmination of the serpent's manipulation and Eve's inner conflict.

• Act as a subplot that distracts from the main theme of obedience.

In the given excerpt, the serpent's conflict with Eve is characterized by:

• Direct physical confrontation leading to a clear victory.

• A psychological clash, where persuasion overcomes reason.

• A struggle for power where Eve initially holds the upper hand.

• A comedic misunderstanding that is resolved through dialogue.

• A reflective debate where both parties share equal perspectives.

Which of the following structural elements does the serpent use to confuse and mislead Eve?

• An accurate recounting of his own experience and transformation.

• Presenting a series of logical fallacies as sound reasoning.

• Emphasizing the physical beauty and appeal of the forbidden fruit.

• Using paradox to suggest the forbidden fruit brings wisdom, despite God's warning.

• Reciting the divine command verbatim to create a sense of authenticity.

Which of the following best conveys the serpent's (Satan) relationship to truth and deceit?

• The serpent is a reluctant deceiver, forced into his role by circumstance.

• The serpent is a straightforward character, presenting facts as they are.

• The serpent is a master of manipulation, twisting truth for his own ends.

• The serpent is an unwilling participant in the deception, guided by a higher power.

• The serpent is an innocent bearer of truth, misconstrued by Eve.

The structure of Eve’s inner dialogue (lines 735-775) is designed to:

• Validate her decision through careful, logical reasoning.

• Reflect her immediate rejection of the serpent’s deceptive words.

• Illustrate her descent from contemplation to yielding to temptation.

• Confirm the righteousness of the divine command through self-reassurance.

• Demonstrate her unwavering commitment to the rules set forth in Eden.

How does Milton’s use of contrast in the narrative structure enhance the theme of the passage?

• By comparing the physical beauty of Eden to the inner turmoil of Eve.

• By juxtaposing the serpent’s transformation with Eve’s eventual downfall.

• By contrasting the smells and tastes of the forbidden fruit with the other foods of Eden.

• By setting the serpent's worldly wisdom against the divine knowledge of God.

• By differentiating between the knowledge offered by the fruit and that withheld by God.