Analysis of Satans Speech in in John Miltons Paradise Lost

Analysis of Satans Speech in Miltons Paradise Lost John Miltons Paradise Lost is a lay down of enduring charm and take account because of its theological conceptions, its beautiful language, and its updating of the epic to the modern worlds values. Book II of this epic poem opens with Satans speech to his minions in hell, proposing war on Heaven itself. In these first 44 lines, Satan is clearly established as epic hero, but at the same time is theologically/morally denounced by the speaker. This segment of the poem opens by establishing Satans position of power and prestige High on a throne of royal state, which far Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind, Or where the gorgeous eastmost with richest hand Showrs on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, Satan exalted sat, (II. 1-5). These lines create an aura of awe and majesty for Satan, showing his glory and splendor through bodily things, while at the same time inferring indirectly that this material show is all that Satan has, rather than real power or value. After this portrayal of Satan the epic hero in all his magnificence, the speaker (the heavenly muse) is very careful to bring down his image morally, contempt the magnificent external experience. The muse asserts that, by merit raised To that bad eminence and from despair Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires Beyond thus high, insatiate to play along Vain war with Heavn, and by success untaught His proud imaginations thus displayed, (II. 5-10). The muse is very careful to remind the reader that Satan is in a high position because of his greed, and the high position he has obtained is not a good position t... ...son who uses elevated language well. The speakers voice is brought forth showing that despite Satans slick moves, he is the villain, but the reader still feels sympathy for Satan. The speech is a moving one, and certainly accomplishes the task of motivating the denizens of Hell to move against Heaven. It f its the framework of the poem perfectly, showing not only the theological goals of the poem, but also the desire of the poem to mock the traditional epic, and to provide a literary work of great beauty and power. Sources Fox, Robert C. The Allegory of Sin and Death in Paradise Lost. Modern Language Quarterly 24 (1963) 354-64. Lewis, C. S. A Preface to Paradise Lost. Rpt. reinvigorated York Oxford UP, 1979. Milton, John. Paradise Lost. In John Milton Complete Poems and Major Prose. Ed. Merritt Y. Hughes. Indianapolis Odyssey, 1980.