In John Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost," readers experience pleasure from Satan's demonstration of determination, cunning and manipulation in corrupting and destroying the human race; however, the fact that Satan is using these skills against the human race raises a sense of disquiet. The reader feels even more uncomfortable knowing that he or she is admiring the determination, cunning, and manipulation of Satan, an evil and immoral being.
             Readers experience pleasure from the idea that Satan is a being that would never give up on the goal that he is reaching for. Satan displays a great deal of determination, cunning, and manipulation in his successful attempt to corrupt and destroy the human race. The fact that Satan's determination eventually led up to his success in corrupting and destroying the human race shows great perseverance. Having perseverance towards a goal in life is an attribute most people covet. Satan uses these characteristics to persuade Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. He leads Eve into thinking that God is forbidding the Tree of Knowledge so that no other person can receive godly knowledge. "Why then was this forbid?/ Why but to awe,/ Why but to keep ye low and ignorant,/ His worshippers; he knows that in the day/ Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear,/ Yet are but dim, shall be then/ Opened and cleared, and ye shall be as gods,/ Knowing both good and evil as they know" (Book IX: ll. 704 - 709).
             The readers sense a feeling of disquiet from the fact that Satan is using the determination, cunning, and manipulation skills against the human race. One feels anxiety knowing that Satan is not using the techniques for good, but, instead, to harm the human race. Being part of the human race, the reader feels out of place in admiring Satan's commitment to ruining mankind. Adding to the disquietude Satan already generates, the reader feels even more uncomfortable knowing t...