Abdiel and Lucifer on the Question of Freedom

Illustrious Ideas and Illustrations: The Imagery of Gustave Doré

“This greeting on thy impious crest receive” (VI. 188), 1866, by Gustave Doré for John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.” Engraving. Public Domain

What is freedom? Is freedom the ability to do whatever we want whenever we want? Or is freedom directly connected to our ability to control ourselves? Does freedom occur when we can guarantee equal outcomes for all? Or does freedom have more to do with recognizing the supremacy of God’s righteousness?

As we continue our series on John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” we will explore the idea of freedom.

Lucifer Proposes Equality and Freedom

As he talks with the archangel Raphael, Adam becomes interested in Heaven’s war. Raphael uses this as an opportunity to warn Adam about the potential consequences of his free will.