Milton-Paradise Lost-Book1-03/21

In the first book of Milton’s paradise lost, he sets up the story by beginning with the overarching situation of man’s fall due to the serpent and how Satan and his follows all went to hell ready to revolt again. The beginning discusses how Satan caused the fall, “The’ infernal serpent; he it was, whose guile Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived The mother of mankind…” (802). Here, Milton is discussing the events of the fall but does so in such a way that he is not blaming Eve but is rather stating that it is all Satan’s doing. This is a fascinating take on the Fall because it was commonly believed that Eve was to blame for the happenings in Eden. Milton then goes into focus on a conversation between Satan and one of his many lieutenants about how they plan to fight back against God and heaven. Satan speaks of his plans for continuing to be evil, “Fall’n Cherub, to be weak is miserable Doing or suffering: but of this be sure, To do aught good never be our task…” (805). Milton uses a conversation to exemplify the causality that Satan has for seeking ruin on the world and in heaven. This talk then goes into more about the turmoil between heaven and hell and the ongoing feud between God and Satan. This version of storytelling puts the focus on Satan wanting to defeat all of God’s loyal people and angels, “The great Creator? But their spite still serves His glory to augment. The bold design Pleased highly those infernal States…” (827). In this passage, Satan’s disgust for God and those who worship him is being highlighted. Overall, Milton gives a new perspective on the fall of man by changing the focus to the fight between heaven and hell as well as the evil intentions of Satan.





Comments

  1. Nicole PrinceMarch 28, 2019 at 8:39 PM

    I also think Milton's approach to focus on Satan is unique. It almost makes you wonder if he is just focusing on the antagonist or if the antagonist is being partially portrayed as the protagonist. Maybe it depends on the perspective--the protagonist of Hell, the antagonist of Heaven. What do you think?

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