Genesis 3 as a Narrative

I think one of the reasons I particularly appreciate John Milton’s Paradise Lost, is because he adds a narrative twist to an otherwise straight-forward and biblical story. The story of the Fall of mankind according to Genesis chapter three is very blunt and to the point, without any deviation from the simple retelling of events. In Milton’s illustrious version however, he provides motives, dialogue and thoughts that make the relationships more dynamic. For instance, the Bible never suggests that Adam sins not out of temptation for knowledge, but for the sake of Eve whom he loves. I thought it was a brilliant editorial decision on Milton’s part to make Adam choose loyalty to Eve over obedience to God. I had never before considered the thought process that must have gone into making that decision—if Adam had rebuked temptation and refused to take a bite of the apple, he and Eve would have to be separated. He wonders if God would make him a new Eve, or if he would be left as sole steward of Earth. In the end, he would rather be sinful with Eve, than innocent and alone. It is interesting that Milton’s poem suggests that even before the fall, man feared isolation enough that he would be willing to sacrifice anything in order to have someone to spend their life with.  Eve recognizes this as well, which is why she presents the situation to Adam in such a way that made him believe he had no alternative but to eat the apple and join her in her fallen state.