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John Milton
Overview
Of Mans first disobedience, and the fruit Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste Brought death into the world, and, all our woe, With the loss of Eden, till one greater Man Restore us, and regain the blissful seat,(1-5)
refers to original sin of Adam and Eve brought humans death for the first time
Overview
Sing, Heavenly Muse That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed In the beginning how the Heavens and Earth Rose out of Chaos (6-10)
not asking for tradition Greek muse asking for Holy Spirit to inspire him as he did Moses to write the Ten Commandments and Genesis
Overview
His poem will be better than all other classical writings Reason for writing
And justify the ways of God to men (26).
Why God permits humans to suffer and die
His poem will tell of the epic battle between God and Lucifer
Satan
He wanted to be like God Rebelled and was punished To set himself in glory above his peers, He trusted to have equaled the Most High, If he opposed; and with ambitious aim Against the throne and monarchy of God, Raised impious was in Heaven and battle proud With vain attempt.(39-44)
Hell
Milton uses darkness and imagery to indicate the horridness of Hell
fiery gulf (52) dungeon horrible (61) No light, but rather darkness visible (63) discover sights of woe (64)
Hell
Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace And rest can never dwell, hope never comes That comes to all; but torture without end Still urges Such place Eternal Justice had prepared For those rebellious, here their prison ordained In utter darkness, and their portion set As far removed from God and the light of Heaven (65-73). Physical torment- fiery yet dark Physiological pain
doom Lost happiness dismay
Beelzebub
He soon discerns, and weltering by his side One next himself in power, and next in crime, Long after known in Palestine, and named Beelzebub (78-81). Second in power under Satan
Satan
Bemoans their place in Hell If thou beest he- but O how fallen! How changed From him, who in the happy realm of light Clothed with transcendent brightness didst outshine Myriads though bright- if he whom mutual league, United thoughts and counsels, equal hope And hazard in the glorious enterprise, Joined with me once, now misery hath joined In equal ruin: into what pit thou seest From what height fallen! (84-91) Tells Beelzebub he has been transformed for the worse by Gods punishment Mourns heaven when he sees the state of Beelzebub Does not repent for his rebellion
Satan
so much the stronger proved He with his thunder; and till then who knew The force of those of those dire arms? (92-94). Did not realize the strength and power of God
Satan
Sees himself as the enemy of God Yet not for those, Nor what the potent Victor in his rage Can else inflict, do I repent or change, (95-97). Innumerable forces Two powers Engage in dubious battle Heaven as a lost field God is Satans lost foe eternal war (93-124) Presents them as his army Diction represents war
Satan
the unconquerable will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield: And what is else not to be overcome? (106-109) Driving force for Satan God was upset by the battle- he was uncertain about the outcome
Satan
since by fate the strength of gods And this emerged substance cannot fail, Since through experience of this great event, In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced, We may with more successful hope resolve To wage by force or guile eternal war Irreconcilable to our grand Foe, Who now triumphs, and in the excess of joy, Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven. (116-124)
Satan
Will wage war against Gods tyranny God in heaven rejoicing Take action once again
Beelzebubs Response
That with sad overthrow and foul defeat Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host In horrible destruction laid thus low, As far as gods and heavenly essences Can perish/ Here swallowed up up in endless misery. (135-142).
Beelzebub's Response
Doubtful Can we overpower God and his supremacy? Realizes the horridness of their situation
Beelzebub's Response
That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, Or do him mightier service as his thralls By right of war, whateer his business be, Here in the heart of Hell to work in fire, Or do his errands in the gloomy deep? What can it then avail, though yet we feel Strength undiminished, or eternal being TO undergo eternal punishment? (148-155).
Beelzebubs Response
Questions if they are still slaves of Gods Their punishment in hell is to do Gods bidding in hell
Satans Response
to be weak is miserable (157) 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 (158-162).
Only commit deeds of evil God cannot control that His evil will equal Gods goodness
Satans Response
Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild, The seat of desolation, void of light, Save what the glimmering of these livid flames Casts pale and dreadful? (180-183) Satans perspective of Hell He realizes the horror of it and is repelled by it
Satans Response
And reassembling our afflicted powers, Consult how we may henceforth most offend Our Enemy, our own loss how repair, How overcome this dire calamity, What reinforcement we may gain from hope, If not, what resolution from despair. (186-191)
Satan
Prone on the flood, extended long and large, Lay floating many a rood, in bulk as huge As whom the fables name of monstrous size, Titanian or Earth-born, that warred on Jove, Briareos or Typhon whom led the den By ancient Tarus held, or that sea-beast Leviathan, which God od all his works Created hugest that swim the ocean stream. (195-202) Indicates the hugeness and vastness of Satan Compared to Titans and giants from Greek Mythology
Satan
this is the seat That we must change for Heaven, this mournful gloom For that celestial light? Be it so, since he Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid What shall be right: farthest from him is best, Whom reason hath equaled, force hath made supreme Above his equals. (243-249) Accepts his new placement and wants to reign sovereign Happy to have his own kingdom to rule Proves he is Gods equal Pride Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven (263) Eager to rally his forces- needs support to rebel against God
Epic Simile
Something in the poem is compared to something quite outside the poem
Compares Satan to Titans and Greeks from mythology (196-208) Compares his landing to smashing of a hill or volcano which create an explosive force (230237)