The Draw of Satan:ParadiseLost
Typically in classical litterature Satan is portrayed as the antagonist. In the Divine Comedy, for example, Dante leads the reader through a terrrifying portrayal of Hell. Each creature, a creation of Satan, is more horrible than the last. The reader leaves this stage of the book, Pergatorio, with a reflection of Satan that is inherently evil. As opposed to Dante's representation of Satan, Milton, through Satan's speech of advocation to the fallen angels, induces the reader's sympathy. Milton uses several devices, within this speech, in the winning over of the reader. Satan begins by making statements that defend his own "choice" of Hell over Heaven. Satan announces that in his oppinion it is " Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven." This conjures up thoughts that immediatly lead to the attraction of being bad. Ironically, Milton was envoking more modern sediments that did reflect his puritan beliefs. Milton devises this inticement for the reader similar to that which is a popular image particularly in the twentieth century; there is a certain satisfaction in being "bad." Singer/ songwriter Billy Joel says in one of his songs, " Only the good die young." As a result Satan is
This is the advantage that Milton gives Satan. Satan's path is followed step by step: his speech, his road out of hell, and his ascent into the garden. Satan makes the promise that for anyone who follows him, he will make a heaven of hell for them. Yet again this is attractive to the reader; a place where you can go after indulgement, not where you'll regret your actions, but where you will continue them. seen as the type of "bad guy" that one hass been taught in everything from the Bible to fairytales to abhor. The concept, however, is paradoxical. Yet Satan gains a partner early on in the story, the reader. Satan determines that he must travel out of hell to reach these creatures and he will go alone. All must unite to win over this middle ground existing in the Garden of Eden. Satan asks, " Could God not share some of his power?" God is made into a falsly self-proclaiming, hypocrite who, perhaps not in sheer force, but in all else Satan sees as less than he. Not common is it that the reader meets the "antagonist" before all other characters. By introducing Satan first and allowing him to tactfully speak on behalf of himself, Milton sets up a second "fall" in addition to that which dismissed Adam and Eve from the garden: the fall of Satan from the favor of the reader. Milton has an audience in anyone who has an ounce of impurity, which is universal and innate: sin's attraction. While riling his angels, Satan takes the reader through his understanding.
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