What Does "First Disobedience" in Paradise Lost Refer To?

The phrase "first disobedience" appears in the opening lines of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost . It is a critical concept that sets the stage for the poem’s exploration of humanity's fall from grace and the subsequent consequences. The phrase refers to the original sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, as described in Christian theology. Explanation of "First Disobedience" Definition: The "first disobedience" refers specifically to Adam and Eve’s act of eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. This act was a direct violation of God's explicit command not to eat from this tree. The Event: The disobedience occurred when the serpent (Satan in disguise) tempted Eve by persuading her to eat the fruit, and she, in turn, gave it to Adam, who also ate. This single act of defiance marked humanity's first transgression against divine law. Symbolism: The act symbolizes the introduction of sin and death…