Paradise Lost - Satan's Destruction
"The mind is its own place, and in itself255 Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n. What matter where, if I be still the same, And what I should be, all but less than hee Whom Thunder hath made greater? Here at least We shall be free; th'Almighty hath not built260 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 Heav'n. But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, 265 Th'associates and co-partners of our loss Lie thus astonisht on th'oblivious Pool, And call them not to share with us their part In this unhappy Mansion, or once more With rallied Arms to try what may be yet270 Regain'd in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell?"Satan's pompous, stubborn nature towards destroying mankind is introduced as early as Book I. Satan, just banished from the heavenly gates displays his unconquerable will. Although he has just fallen from heaven, he is standing up again and turning away from God. He is telling his arc angels that this isn't so bad, because his pride does not enable himself to accept the defeat he experienced. Howe
He uses phrases like "faithful friends", "associates" and "co-partners of. The fact that Satan would even consider another battle is a true sign of relentless, unconquerable will. Satan then begins to lecture "his" arc angels, explaining how they should never be envious of God, who is the king of heaven. His idea is that the arc angels can make Hell just as great as Heaven. God is in control, and has power over Satan. In the first part of the passage, Satan strongly relies on the idea of "reigning" and leadership. Milton provides us with this early piece from Satan in order to provide us with two important details. It is initially unclear why Milton begins the story in Hell. First, Satan is a pretentious character, who will not accept defeat. However, Satan is trying to convince his fallen race not to give up and to continue to live in his shadow. There is no freedom involved, for if there were a worse place, God has the power to move Satan and all the arc angels. Satan, after declaring himself king of Hell, begins to show the arc angels how it is not heaven that makes life great, it is a certain mindset you must possess. Once given the chance in the Garden of Eden, Satan uses the same persuasive skills on Eve that he did on the arc angels back in Hell. Satan suggests another revolt, "With rallied Arms to try what may be yet Regain'd in Heav'n, or what more lost in Hell?" Here, we see Satan admit that there was loss in the fall from Heav'n to Hell, but only to rally up his troops for another potential battle.
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