Analysis of Satans Speech in in John Miltons Paradise Lost

Analysis of Satans Speech in Miltons Paradise Lost John Miltons Paradise Lost is a work of enduring charm and value 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 section 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 East with†¦show more content†¦Satan proceeds to address his gathered host of followers who with him were thrown out of heaven. He addresses them as Powers and Dominions, deities of Heaven, (II. 11), appeasing their egos and appealing to their desire for power and control. He justifies this, despite their recent loss, for since no deep within her gulf can hold/Immortal vigor, though oppressed and falln/I give not Heavn for lost, (II. 12-14). Because of the strength and power of those doomed to hell for all eternity, they will be able to re-conquer Heaven despite what God did to them. He proceeds to say that, From this descent/Celestial Virtues rising, will appear/More glorious and more dread than from no fall, (II. 14-16) because the struggles of living in Hell will increase the power and glory of the gifts of each of the fallen. As a result of these assertions of the power and might of the denizens of hell, Satan asserts that they, trust the mselves to fear no second fate. (II. 17) Satan follows this speech appeasing the egos of his followers by commenting on his own prowess and virtues. Me though just right, and the fixed laws of Heavn Did first create your leader, next, free choice, With what besides, in counsel or in fight,Show MoreRelatedAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost 1852 Words   |  8 Pagesliterary merit. Do not merely summarize the plot. (2010 AP Literature and Composition) Disobedience and Exile an Analysis of Satan from Milton’s Paradise Lost John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, has been the subject of criticism and interpretation through many years; these interpretations concur in that Adam and Eve are the sufferers of the poem, and it is their blight to lose Paradise because of their disobedience; however, their exile is merely a plight brought by Satan, and it is he who suffersRead More A Comparison of God and Satan in Paradise Lost Essay1571 Words   |  7 PagesComparison of God and Satan in Paradise Lost      Ã‚   In this essay I shall be focusing on the characters of G-d and Satan from Paradise Lost by John Milton.   Within the essay I shall be attempting to elucidate on the themes of ambiguity of the two characters as well as the uncertainty of moral integrity of each, characterized by Johns Miltons use of sentence structure, private thoughts and symbolism.    Foremost I would like to look at the way the way in which Milton characterizes theRead MoreFall from Grace: Satan as a Spiritually Corrupt Hero in Miltons Paradise Lost2859 Words   |  12 PagesFall From Grace: Satan as a Spiritually Corrupt Hero in Miltons Paradise Lost Can Satan -- a being, so evil that even as an Ethereal being of Heaven, who was cast out of Gods grace - be a hero? John Miltons Satan in Paradise Lost is very much a romanticized character within the epic poem, and there has been much debate since the poems publishing in 1667 over Miltons sentiments and whether Satan is the protagonist or a hero. As an angel in God the Fathers Heaven, Satan rose up with a groupRead MoreJohn Milton Opens Paradise Lost Essay2170 Words   |  9 Pages As John Milton opens Paradise lost with a brief explanation of his intent, he makes a very ambitious statement of his goal, claiming that his book would be sufficient means by which â€Å"[He might] assert Eternal Providence, / And justify the ways of God to men† (Paradise Lost 1.25-26). So the reader should treat his epic poem as the attempted justification that it is, and ask themselves this: does this argument successfully justify God’s ways? A key—perhaps even the key—par t of Milton’s book, and thereforeRead More An Analysis of Satans Final Speech in Milton’s Paradise Lost1782 Words   |  8 PagesAn Analysis of Satans Final Speech in Milton’s Paradise Lost Satans final speech to Eve, 11. 679-732, Book IX, in Miltons Paradise Lost, is a persuasive masterpiece carefully structured to appeal to her ambitious tendencies and to expand her already existing doubts (which Satan has implanted) as to the perfect nature of God. Satan begins by worshipping the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, as Eve will do after she has made her choice. Throughout the remainder of the speech, he attempts