In his “Areopagitica,” John Milton states: “He who can apprehend and consider vice with all its apparent allurements and pleasures, and yet abstain, and yet distinguish , and yet to prefer that which is truly better, is the true Christian warrior. I cannot praise a fugitive and cloistered virtue, unexercised and breathless, which never goes out and sees its adversary, but slips out of the race where this immortal garland must be run, not without dust and heat. To be a true strong Christian, one must face temptation and reject it in favor of faith in God. Milton's belief is reinforced and illustrated in Book IX of Paradise Lost, since the characters in Paradise Lost represent different aspects of Milton's claim. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The strengths and weaknesses of Milton's argument are best seen in the conversation between Adam and Eve. In Book IX, Eve suggests to Adam that the two split up to accomplish more work in less time. In response to Eve's suggestion, Adam said: "Woman, where danger or dishonor lurks,/ remains safest and most suitable for her husband,/ who guards her, or with her endures the worst ". Adam's statement seems to juxtapose Milton's belief that it is important to face temptation, but he justifies his position by saying that he simply wants to protect Eve. Adam believes the couple can better reject temptation together, thus ultimately retaining their cloistered virtue. Eve takes Milton's side. She questions Adams's view, asking, "What are faith, love, and virtue that are not experienced alone, without sustained outside help?" » . Eve informs Adam that faith must be tested. If faith remains unquestioned, both will never become stronger in their loyalty to God. Eve is convinced that her faith is strong enough to withstand any challenge. Eve further believes that God wants their faith to be questioned. He will reward them for their persistent loyalty. Eve believes that if she and Adam overcome Satan's challenge, they will "double the honor gained through his assumption which turned out to be false, find inner peace and the favor of Heaven." Indeed, Eve does not fear Satan as Adam does. Paradise Lost clearly establishes that Adam and Eve are on opposing sides in Milton's argument. Eve represents Milton's belief that challenges can actually strengthen faith; Adam personifies the position that challenges can be dangerous and avoiding them is in everyone's best interest. Ultimately, Eve's self-confidence proves to be her downfall (and the downfall of humanity). She chooses to go out alone and gives in to Satan's temptations. The fall of Eve conflicts with Milton's argument in "Areopagitica." Eve represents Milton's belief in the importance of the trials of faith, but if Eve had never left Adam, she and humanity would still be blessed in heaven. Although Adam eventually fell as well, he was initially right to prefer to stay with Eve so that the two could be faithful together. Because it represents his belief, Eve's fall weakens Milton's argument. Milton would always consider Eve's actions admirable. She goes out to “see her opponent”. Eve succumbed to temptation because she was weak and Satan “gained too easy an entrance into her heart.” Because she fell, her faith wasn't that strong to begin with. Eve personifies Milton's concept of a "Christian at war" who comes out and welcomes temptation; However, Eve lost her. 517-551.