Book Eleven: The Son of God intercedes to prevent Adam and Eve's immediate death, which results in their exile from the garden. Michael assures them that loss of Eden does not mean loss of God's presence, and explains to Adam the future of humanity, including Abel's murder, the spread of sin, the Flood, and the new Covenant. The purpose of this book is to give hope in the face of adversity.
Book XII (649 lines): Michael goes on to share humanity's coming history and the hope which will incarnate as the Messiah to redeem mankind's sinfulness. In fact, Michael shows how the original sin has allowed for a greater knowledge and understanding of redemption that would never have been possible. "The World was all before them, where to choose / Their place of rest, and Providence their guide: / They hand in hand with wand'ring steps and slow, / Through Eden took their solitary way" (XII: 656-49). This book is also written to give hope that eternal reward is coming and that there is a plan despite their expulsion from paradise.
