book iv - passages of importance

Here are some passages you should read closely and pay special attention to while reading Book IV of Paradise Lost. After reviewing in my mind what we have accomplished thus far during our class discussion of the text, I feel that we need to not press too quickly... therefore, I'm pushing the fifth book back until Wednesday of this week. Be on the look out for the next journal, which I'll be posting in the next day or so.

• 5-12 ("woe" to us)
• 17-30 (Satan remembering the past; his internal thoughts and feelings)
• 31-78 (his internal battle, further described)
• 98-113 (redemption? no! "farewell to good" is Satan's resolve)
• 114-117 (to "...counterfeit") (his face changes again! cf.1.600f)
• 194-201 (Satan perches on the Tree of Life)
• 218-222 (the Tree of Knowledge)
• 285-299 (mankind is first sighted by Satan)
• 321 ("hand in hand" cf. the note to this line!)
• 389-392 (corruption via 'the state')
• 411-491 (Adam and Eve converse)
• 618-629 (daily work)
• 641-658 (the first request for knowledge! VIP!)
• 772f (no death in Eden, not even for flowers)
• 826-843 (Satan is discovered and confronted by Ithuriel and Zephon)
• 878-884 (Gabriel's stern statements to Satan)
• 976-1015 (the angels surround Satan; he stands firm, yet finally yields upon a 'heavenly sign')

Live from the South Park forum- only $49.95!!

Hey guys, check out this funny South Park commercial that was sort of related to today's class discussion. Its really short, enjoy!

Discussions on religion, theology, philosophy, etc.

I figure since we're dealing with highly concentrated theological texts, that it would be fun to entertain ideas about both the text and the nature of god/religion in general. The discussions can range from a myriad of topics, but it would be nice if we could keep in context to spiritual themes, e.g. god vs the devil, prophecies, angels, polytheism, etc.

If I could invent my own special topics class, I would start a God Theory class, where we study and attempt to understand the mind of god. Milton and Dante barely scratched the surface, hence the use of the ancients as muses. Anyone want to share their own conception of god or the lack thereof? Or comment on Milton and Dante?

book III - passages of importance

My apologies for the lateness of this posting, yet this morning and afternoon has been hectic for a number of reasons...

Please pay close attention when reading the following sections of Book III in Paradise Lost:

• 1-55 (Milton's invocation of the Muses and commentary on his blindness)
• 86-102 (from "And now...")(on man's choice to fall)
• 111-134 (God's claims he is not responsible for the fallen creatures of the universe; his merciful plan for redemption via grace)
• 156-166 (Christ questions the situation)
• 183-202 (commentary on predestination)
• 209-212 (a sacrifice to atone for the treason against God must be made)
• 236-238 (Christ accepts the 'mission' as sacrificial savior)
• 326-337 (Last Judgment and the New Earth)
• 442-459 (Satan's exile in chaos)
• 481-483 (Ptolemaic structure of the universe; cf.p.101)
• 523-525 (Satan's sadness at the gate of Heaven)
• 601-612 (alchemy!)
• 654-685 (Satan's false pledge to Uriel)
• 708-735 (the creation of the earth; four elements; and earth, the seat of man and Paradise)

reading for 4/14 and journal #7

Hello all.

For this Wed. please have read Book III of PL. (I will post sections of importance on the blog tomorrow morning, so check sometime after 11am)

Also remember JOURNAL #7!!!

NOTE: EMAIL THIS ASSIGNMENT TO ME!!! (I know I said today I wanted it typed, but Miss Elms has requested that these letters be electronically sent.)

1) If you went to see The Tempest at BAM, then compose a paragraph-long thank you note to Miss Cassidy Elms and the Borough as Classroom program. Describe how the experience enhanced your reception of the text, and how it served as both an educational and cultural experience.

Format the heading as you would any other paper in my class. Right-justify the following: Name, CC 10.02, Prof. D'Amato, 4/14/10.

Give it a good title if you can, please.

Sign your name at the bottom too.


2) If you did not attend the BAM show, then compose a one-paragraph response to the written text of The Tempest or to Paradise Lost. These too must be emailed before class time on Wednesday.


Questions or comments? Email me. Thanks,
s.