Some Notes on Milton’s Paradise Lost British Novel to Film Dr. M. Connor

Introduction n The poem was immediately recognized as a masterpiece. n Dryden is one of the first to critically approach the poem in his Apology for Heroic Poetry and Poetic License

Book one, from the beginning n Latinate structure makes the poem difficult for us to read n The first sentence is 16 lines long n The first verb doesn’t come till the beginning of line six, “sing”.

Invocation to the Muse n Milton formats the poem as a traditional epic n His “Muse” is the Christian Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) n But he also uses pagan names and trappings. n But this is always a Christian poem

The poem’s purpose n Given in lines 24-25: – I may assert Eternal Providence – And justify the ways of God to men n That is the “main point” or “thesis” of the poem

Introduction to Satan n In the next part of the poem, we are introduced to what has happened--Satan’s revolt. n We learn that Satan and the other fallen angels have undergone and physical change, as well. n We also meet Hell’s “#2” Beelzebub

Devils’ “life goal” n In lines 120ff, we learn of what the devils vow to do: – 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 th’ excess of joy – Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven

Illogical devils n The devils know that God is omnipotent, yet they still tried to overpower him. See ll –...in dreadful deeds – Fearless, endangered Heaven’s perpetual king – (my emphasis)

See themselves as gods n In line 138, they refer to themselves as “gods” and this is something they continue throughout the poem. n This vanity is one of the reasons they are in trouble in the first place.

Repeat the evil plan n Lines , repeat the vow to cause bad – To do aught good never will be our task, – But ever to do ill our sole delight.

We “see” Hell n In the lines following line 175, the weather starts to clear and through Satan’s eyes we “see” Hell for the first time. n What follows is a long descriptive passage

Description of Satan n In the lines following 192, we also “see” Satan. n He’s large. A rood is 6-8 meters and he’s “many a rood”. n Also winged, as befits a former angel. n Long descriptive passage

Famous lines n From line 252ff, very famous section. We learn that Satan has: – A mind not to be changed by place or time. – The mind is its own place, and in itself – Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven n This ties in very much with the theme of Free Will

Satan’s paradox n From line 258ff we see the paradox Satan sets up: He’s free in Hell, a prison: – Here at least – We shall be free; the Almighty hath not built – Here for his envy, will not drive us hence. – Here we may reign secure; and in my choice – To reign is worth ambition, though in Hell: – Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

Beautiful speech n In lines 315 to the end of the section we read, Satan gives a beautiful speech trying to rouse the fallen angels to action. n His final line in that section: – Awake, arise or be forever fallen! n Is quite awe-inspiring. We can see why the angels/devils will follow him.

Book two n Again, the section we read starts with beautiful images. n In lines 304 ff we again see beautiful sentiments, but in Milton’s universe, they are false. n As much as we are attracted to Satan and his words, we have to remember that he is the Arch-Enemy

Man is the key to hurting God n From lines 345 on, Satan talks about how Man is the key to hurting God. n From 358 on, Satan describes how Man is the weakness in God’s “armor”. – This place may lie exposed, – The utmost border of his kingdom, left – To their defense who hold it;

Introduce the idea of seduction n In line 367, Satan declares that if he can’t force Man to betray God, he may be able to “seduce” him. n This may make God abolish Man, causing God pain, as Man is currently His favorite creature.

“Synod of gods” n From line 389 on, we see Satan spinning out a long fantasy about what may happen. n In here, we see Satan at his seductive best. n Around 468ff, we also see him being quite Machiavellian in his approach to leadership

Sets up parallel to Jesus n In line 826ff, Satan says he will sacrifice himself “one for all” n This echoes Jesus’s sacrifice of himself to Death so that Man may live.

Free Will n In lines 98ff, God explains why He gave free will to Man, even though it will lead to Man’s fall. – Not free, what proof could they have given sincere – Of true allegiance, constant faith or love.

Foreknowledge is not Destiny n Lines 117ff, God explains that His foreknowledge is different from predestination: – Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault, – Which had no less proved certain unforeknown.

Avoiding The Fall n In lines 124ff, God explains that to avoid the Fall of Man, He would have to change Man’s nature. n He has decreed that they have Free Will, so he will not change that: – they themselves ordained their fall (128)

Satan vs. Man n God explains that Satan fell through his own pride, so he has no special Grace. n But Man will fall through Satan’s temptation, so God will offer Grace. n Lines 170ff, God explains His Grace and how it will help

Book four: Satan in Paradise n The section we reads starts with a soliloquy by Satan in which he rails against his fate. n Beautiful poetry n We pity him n He feels regrets

Pride n Satan knows that the Sin of Pride is his downfall – Till pride and worse ambition threw me down – Warring in Heaven against Heaven’s matchless King! – Ah, wherefore? He deserved no such return – From me, who created what I was – In that bright eminence, and with his good – Upbraided none; (ll 40-46)

“Myself am Hell” n In the passage starting around line 69 shows that Satan is still proud. Too proud. n He knows he could have God’s mercy, yet he rejects it. n All he has to do is submit to God’s will and he could be reinstated in Heaven, and he refuses.

No hope means no fear n In line line 108, Satan gives up hope for redemption, and this frees him to do all evil. – All good to me is lost; – Evil, be thou my good: by thee at least – Divided empire with Heaven’s king I hold n (ll )

Satan blames God n Satan never takes responsibility for his own actions. n His temptation of Man is God’s fault. – Thank him who puts me, loath, to this revenge – On you, who wrong me not, for him who wronged. n Lines