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 seen as the type of "bad guy" that one hass been taught in everything from the Bible to fairytales to abhor. Yet it is just this knowledge and human curiousity that leads us to flirt with this danger. Being bad is an inner urning, or lust for something, be it power, material, or sexual. Milton has an audience in anyone who has an ounce of impurity, which is universal and innate: sin's attraction.
             Satan advocates himself and justifies his revolt from God by calling God a tyrant. He states that he refuses to live under tyranny. This arguement seems ironic. Who revolted? Satan. Yet, Satan makes a case for himself. He refers to
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