In John Milton's
Paradise Lost, readers are introduced to Satan in the form of a fully developed character, with human (and superhuman) qualities. Book 1 of the poem is set in Hell, immediately after God has thrown Satan and his followers out of Heaven. Look at the major speeches made by Satan in this book. You'll find them in lines 84-124, 157-91, 242-70, and 622-62. (The poem begins on page 1831.) Set aside, for the moment, any preconceptions you might have about someone named "Satan," and try to describe this character based on what he says in the above speeches. Especially, notice whether or not Milton's Satan has any qualities a modern audience might consider admirable.
It seems as if Milton is trying to get people to feel sorry for “Satan” or so I thought when reading the speech on page 1837-38 lines 242-270. As “Satan”, who is now in hell, looks around at his surroundings and at first seems very sad that this is what has become of him. Yet, at the same time his soul seems hardened and his heart turned black as he says this. “Farewell happy fields where joy forever dwells: Hail horrors, hail infernal world… (1837, 249-251). No longer does he dwell in a place of joy and beauty, instead, he dwells in hell and pain. With the world “hail” used to describe the underworld (hell) he seems to embrace his new realm and intends to uphold its beliefs. He goes on to speak of how the mind is the true keeper of truth on what is hell and what is heaven. For the mind, “Can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven” (1838, 255). Which makes it known that he intends to make a heaven in hell for his fellow outcasts along with himself. With the different tones of this reading it is hard to make an exact account on whether to feel sorry for him or believe he deserved being cast out of heaven to hell. Yet, he goes on to speak about the benefits of reigning in hell, rather than serving in heaven. His last statement is one that intrigues me as he says, “With rallied arms to try what may be yet Regained in Heav’n, or what more lost in Hell?” (1838, 269-270). Making me question whether or not he wants to regain God’s Favor. Yet, it implies the question, Will one lose more trying to regain Gods love or will they lose more in the pits of hell? -Queso
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Queso Milton comes off as if your suppose to feel sorry for Satan, when your not. "Satan" was kicked out of heaven which means he did something extremely bad because he does wrong and has no good in him. Milton to me is also trying not to make "Satan" come off as a bad person when in reality he is as Queso said his heart has become cold and he doesnt have a heart for kindness anymore.Yes it is sad that his thrown to pit of fire because who wants to burn in hell? noone. But the reason I dont feel bad about "Satan" is he doesnt show any effort to God to turn hisself around and make it back to heaven instead he feels he can be like God and have his own heaven. My perception of anyone name Satan is the opposite of God. I also feel he deserves everything that come to him because he didnt try to look at the good nor did he try to make amends with God. With him quoting Line 255 that a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven" made me think that he could have thought that it was ok he was no longer an angel. On line 159 he also quotes "To do aught good never will be our task" meaning he has no good in him to begin with even though he was once an angel. So anyone who has the name "Satan" shouldnt cherish that name such as the "satan" in Paradise Lost.
ReplyDelete-Bird91
I would have to say that I agree with Queso as well because it does seem like Milton is trying to get the audience to feel sorry for Satan. As I read his third speech, I was under the impression that Satan was not very happy with where he was, which was hell. In lines 242-49, Satan says, "Is this the mournful place that we have to stay forever and must change for Heaven? The person that's now in charge can do what he wants. It's better to be far from God. Im glad to be away from Him." He doesn't want to be around God because he can't stand the fact that God is the one with all power and he knows that if he was going to stay in Heaven, he couldn't do anything but obey God. With that being said, it seems that Satan is the type of person that wants to have all of the authority. In his first speech, lines 84-124, he is trying to have a change in heart. He thinks about repenting but he doesn't want to submit. He doesn't want to let his angel down because he is suppose to be the ring leader. He knows that if God was to forgive him, he would get kicked out all over again because he is hungry for power and authority and he knows that he can't rule over God. He is the devil and hell follows him. Satan says that Hell will be his Heaven.
ReplyDeleteI actually disagree with all the previous comments. I believe Milton paints the picture showing Satan's wicked resolve, despite any circumstances. And to add, I believe he depicts Satan's rationale as somewhat childish, even ungrateful. Even beginning in Heaven, Satan in the book blames his stance and circumstance on God for giving him too high of a position. Its a rudimentary viewpoint to take by Satan. But he seems to just be that bad kid in the family, whom is never satisfied, never content and always wanting more. With what seems to be a backwards rationale it drives many to hate their parents or guardian much like this dynamic. He doesn't like the idea of serving, instead victory by death of the King will be his choice. How naive he found he was to think he could do such a thing, just as a child, I add. Yet it many ways, Satan is depicted as very strong, valiant and resolute in mission. A warrior who can lead the best of men, inspiring them to do anything. Admirable in the sight of many today. For example he reproves his fellow angel in thinking weak..."Fall'n Cherub, to be weak is miserable, doing or suffering: but of this be sure, to do aught good never will be our task, but ever to do ill our sole delight, as being the contrary to his high will whom we resist(157-162)." He rallies the troops as a relentless leader determined at all costs.
ReplyDelete-Annie 08