Milton's Paradise Lost is partly based on the book of Genesis in the Bible, which narrates the expulsion of Adam and eve from the Garden of Eden for disobeying God's command. Milton describes the situation that resulted in their temptation to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge and the consequences of their action. Though his epic poem, Milton shows how disobedience can lead to the downfall of humankind:
"Of Man's First Disobedience, and the Fruit
Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal taste
Brought Death into the World, and all our woe,"
Paradise Lost also explores Satan's disobedience to God and his blatant challenge to God's authority. Satan is the first among the angels to disobey God and continues doing so after being banished from Heaven. He neither repents his actions nor seeks forgiveness. Satan resents the happiness of God's creations and vows to make them suffer too:
"Sight hateful, sight tormenting! thus these two
Imparadis't in one anothers arms
The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill
Of bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust,
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire,
... I will excite their minds
With more desire to know, and to reject
Envious commands, invented with designe
To keep them low..."
In contrast to Satan, Adam and eve feel genuine remorse for breaking God's rule and ask for his forgiveness. They accept God's punishment for their sun and leave the Garden of Eden without protest.