This poem was published in 1671 and shares similar theological themes with the earlier work Paradise Lost; this time dealing with the Gospel of Luke’s subject of the Temptation of Christ. Paradise Regained is a much shorter work, composed in four books in instead of twelve. One of the major themes emphasised throughout the poem is reversals. As implied by the title, the poem seeks to reverse the loss of Paradise. Milton uses many antonyms beside each other in the text, supporting the recurring theme.
The plot conforms with Luke’s structure in chapter four of the gospel. In both works, Satan begins the temptation of Jesus while Jesus is wondering in the wilderness. In addition, Satan tempts Jesus in three different ways. First, Satan tempts Jesus to feed himself by way of a miracle. Second, Satan offers Christ all the kingdoms of the world if Christ will submit to Satan’s authority. Lastly, Satan brings Christ to the pinnacle of the temple in Jerusalem, where after Satan’s final temptation of Christ, Jesus remains faithful and obedient to his father, and as a result is victorious over Satan.