Creative Memory in Book 11 and 12 of Paradise Lost

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the deep significance of creative memory in Book 11 and 12 of Paradise Lost. It is true that many Miltonists like Patricia M. Howison and Regina M. Schwartz have observed the problem of remembrance and forgetfulness as a crucial key to comprehending this epic. They did not, however, devote full attention to the last two Books in this epic, failing to capture the two special conditions in these Books. Thus, this paper analyzes the power of memory with two distinguished features in the final pair: first, Adam and Eve are in the postlapsarian Eden; second, Michael’s prophecy is a ‘biblical’ and ‘oral’ presentation of the Bible story. Above all, the final two Books begin with the Fall, so Adam and Eve have to experience the flow of time. Under this tragic condition, the fallen ancestors learn how to build a new identity, find a new meaning and cultivate new virtue through the exercise of their memory. In the postlapsarian world, memory fulfills a function as a mediator enabling one to see “what he has experienced” and “what the true meaning is in it” and helps one to overcome his desperate condition. It is also significant to see that Michael’s prophecy has ‘improvisational’ feature, which is biblical but not the same as the Bible itself. So, Michael does not teach Adam to remember every detail of the biblical history, but makes him remember how to face the changeable future. In this oral and nonliteral prophecy, Michael also adopts an important mnemonic devices, “location” and “images” to enhance Adam’s remembrance. This paper proves that memory can be one of the most creative faculties for two postlapsarian ancestors.