Season 3 Podcast 133 Milton's Paradise Lost, Bk II Pt IV, Satan, Sin, and Death
Milton’s Paradise Lost: Satan, Sin, and Death
In Pt II of Paradise Lost we discussed the wiles of the devil. If you are new to Poet’s Corner, let me suggest that you go back to Season 3 Podcast 113 entitled Milton’s Paradise Lost Book I. It serves as an introduction to Paradise Lost. Following Podcast 113 is Podcast 118, Introduction to Hell, followed by Podcast 128, The Wiles of the Devil. In this Podcast Satan convinces death to open the high gates of hell and in return, she can appease her voracious appetite on earth. In the opening scene Satan presents his plan to the other devils. Rather than try another assault against heaven, Satan suggests that they come to earth and tempt man. Beelzebub, Satan’s first in command. outlines the plan
What if we find
Some easier enterprize? There is a place
(If ancient and prophetic fame in Heav’n
Err not) another World, the happy seat
Of some new Race call’d Man, about this time
To be created like to us, though less
In power and excellence, but favour’d more
Of him who rules above; so was his will
Pronounc’d among the Gods, and by an Oath,
That shook Heav’ns whole circumference, confirm’d.
Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn
What creatures there inhabit, of what mould,
Or substance, how endu’d, and what their Power,
And where their weakness, how attempted best,
By force or suttlety: … here perhaps
Some advantageous act may be achiev’d
By sudden onset, either with Hell fire
To waste his whole Creation, or possess
All as our own, and drive as we were driven,
The punie habitants, or if not drive,
Seduce them to our Party, that their God
May prove their foe, ….
Beelzebub, under the direction of Satan, outlines their plan.
· To access their power
· To define their weaknesses
· To find the best ways to destroy them by force or by craft
· To drive them to hell
· To seduce them to their party
· To make God appear to be their enemy
Beelzebub suggests that the best way to get revenge against God is to bring his children under God’s curse. Satan of course is standing in the shadows, waiting to present himself as their deliverer. Satan imitates God. He presents himself to the fallen angels as a Christ figure who will save them from eternal hell even though he is the one responsible for getting them thrust out of heaven. Satan speaks.
O Progeny of Heav’n, Empyreal Thrones,
With reason hath deep silence and demurr
Seis’d us, though undismayed: long is the way
And hard, that out of Hell leads up to Light;
Our prison strong, this huge convex of Fire,
Outrageous to devour, immures us round
Ninefold, and gates of burning Adamant
Barr’d over us prohibit all egress.
These past, if any pass, the void profound
Of unessential Night receives him next
Go therefore mighty powers,
Terror of Heav’n, though fall’n; intend at home,
While here shall be our home, what best may ease
The present misery, and render Hell
More tolerable; if there be cure or charm
To respite or deceive, or slack the pain
Of this ill Mansion: intermit no watch
Against a wakeful Foe, while I abroad
Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek
Deliverance for us all: this enterprise
None shall partake with me.
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