Which of these lines from John Milton's Paradise Lost provide clues to his purpose in writing the epic poem?

Wast present, and with mighty wings outspread
Dove-like sat'st brooding on the vast Abyss
And mad'st it pregnant: What in me is dark
Illumine, what is low raise and support;
That to the highth of this great Argument

I may assert th' Eternal Providence,
And justifie the wayes of God to men.
Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view
Nor the deep Tract of Hell, say first what cause
Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy State,

Respuesta :

Say first, for Heav'n hides nothing from thy view

Answer:

The lines that provide clues to John Milton's purpose in writing the Paradise Lost poem are:

  • say first what cause
  • Mov'd our Grand Parents in that happy State

Explanation:

This poem is based on Genesis, the first book of the Bible. These two lines of the poem have the purpose of showing the reason why Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise. When Milton used the expression "our Grand Parents" he was referring to Adam and Eve and when he used "what cause" he was referring to the reason for the expulsion. Thus, these phrases show the purpose of the poem, which was to explain the origin of satan and to show the reason that made Adam and Eve expelled from paradise.