Book XI: The Bad News

What happens to Adam and Eve's prayers?

Why does Christ refer to "the contrition in his heart" rather than "the contrition in their hearts"?

What does Christ ask God to do?

How does God explain his Decree?

How does God explain death?

How does God explain why seeking knowledge caused a fall?

What is Michael deputized to tell Adam and Eve?

Why does Adam refer to how "I sought . . . the Deity to appease," rather than how "We sought . . ."?

How does Eve propose they turn from evil to good?

Why does Adam say this won't work? Does this realization depress him?

Who goes to meet Michael, and who stands back? Why, do you think?

Why does Michael say death is delayed?

When Eve hears this, what is her response?

How does Michael console her?

What does Adam regret losing in the exile?

How does Michael console him?

Why do you think Michael puts Eve to sleep?

Is there anything in Michael's description of Adam's fall that seems to excuse Adam and blame Eve?

What is the effect of Michael's story of Cain? What does Adam now understand?

What type of death is blamed on Eve's sin?

What question shows Adam's unwillingness to accept the sentence of death?

Even if man is temperate, what will happen? (Compare to Johnson's "The Vanity of Human Wishes").

What is the message of the next vision Adam receives?

When Adam starts to slip back into misogyny, what does Michael say to correct him?

The next vision reveals the type of death that is blamed on Adam, rather than Eve. What is Adam told to learn from this?

What is the effect on Adam of the story of Noah embarking on the ark? What conclusion does he reach?

How does Michael explain?

When Adam hears the rest of the story, how does it change his perspective?

In what ways is Noah a typological representation of Christ?