Paradise Lost is a long standing work that has been credited with illustrating the many aspects of the human condition. This essay will explore Milton’s work in order to develop a better understanding of the layers of philosophy that have been responsible for generations of debate. This review will begin with an analysis of the how I believe the human condition has been reflected in this work and then move to illustrate the irony that is inherent in the reading. In the end, this literature review will demonstrate the full range of the reflected human condition as well as the underpinning controversial views that the only served to prolong the life of this classic.
Milton’s Paradise Lost is a classic illustration of the story of Satan’s fall from grace. It was the initial rebellion led by Satan that served to illustrate the very first human condition, rebellion. Following this expulsion the story turns to how he and the rest of the rebels turned to tempting Adam and Eve away from the true path. The tool used to corrupt the garden was the forbidden fruit, which in turn led to the expulsion Adam and Eve from the sacred space.
With his initial opening, Milton describes man’s first acts of disobedience as the reason for undertaking the story. This is an indication, from the outset that the author has a dim view of the human condition, and in fact it is necessary to the “justify the ways of God and Man” (1). The first confusion experienced by Satan following his fall from grace is a metaphor for the often mystified stance that many humans continually exhibit. Alongside the physical transformation from creatures of beauty to horrid demons, the fall from grace is explicit on every level (3). Like many in the world, Satan had deigned to equate himself with the likes of God, the creator, and during this escapade managed to attract a sizeable contingent of followers, which in turn were corrupted and turned in demons. This is a reflection of what happens every day in the mortal realm, humanity is convinced to follow a tainted ideal and through that idea, the concept spreads serving to draw in more and more until the very societal underpinnings begin to crumble.
Yet, much like the resilient leader that he is Satan exhorted his troops that not all was lost, that there were still prizes to be won and glory to be had (5). The assertion that Satan and his faction had experienced the full range of God’s wrath, and should therefore be unafraid and unbowed before the Lord, is reflected in many of the philosophical stances of the modern era. Many in modern political era have adopted a similar attitude, that no damage is too much, nor can any power touch them. Yet, coupled with this outpouring of Satan’s exhortation is the practicality of learning form their first attack and becoming better prepared for the future conflict with God, which is all but inevitable (7). This is a pillar of the underlying lesson that I believe Milton was trying to express: Satan, and humanity, believes that they cannot be fully constrained by the will of God. The very act of questioning Gods actions, of doubting the judgment, provides the first step towards Satan’s stand of apostate defiance. The view that is very much reflected in human condition is that the punishment of Hell is as bad as it gets, and therefore there is nothing to fear in the outright defiance to the edicts laid out by God.
The irony behind this view is that the mortal coil does not have to represent Hell. There is every reason to strive for the light, and set aside the dim outlook espoused by Satan. The overconfidence and lack of respect preached by the followers of Satan served to let them talk themselves into a position of idiotic acceptance. This irony is reflected in the human condition around the globe today. Many of the nations around the world are held hostage by the idiotic stances of a defeated activist. Unfortunately, as demonstrated in Milton’s work, this only leads to a position of weakness and continual loss, which in turn is a common outcome to many, the unfounded positions taken by those in power around the world today.
There are few better phrases that serve to sum up the misguided human condition as “Better to reign in hell, then serve in heaven.” (10). during this time of Satan’s reorganization, it is the resolution of his leadership that draws the rest of the demons to him; this continues to drive their allegiance despite the low circumstances that their actions have driven them to. Gathering to take council, they construct the throne room in greater grandeur than that of the Tower of Babble. Then, each and all of the millions heeding Satan gathered for council.
Milton uses this poem to reflect on the state of humanity by reflecting the emotion of mortal in the guise of God, Satan, Angels and demons. This description serves to create a certainty as to the principles of good and evil that Milton is illustrating. The use of the story as an allegory on the human relation to the divine has many levels of political and religious undertones.
Satan’s fall from grace does little to impart any feelings of humility. The entire experience has only built his resolve to oppose the creator. The ability to relate to the initially sympathetic nature that Milton describes of Satan adds to the capacity to understand the frustration the he suffered. Humanity often finds them goaded into action only due to the false assumption of capability. As Satan asserted to his followers, the trick of God, was to demand faith as opposed to simply demonstrating his full glory. The view that by Satan and his faction became that God should have proven him in order to have avoided the challenge in the first place. In a perverse and ironic twist of logic that is found every day in the modern era, the aggrieved party has been accused of having precipitated the entire conflict, when in fact the reverse is true. It is Satan’s assertion that “they will make a heaven of heal and a hell of heaven” (12) that is so very reminiscent of many of the third world nations ranting against the global powers of the modern era.
The physical symbols that Milton employs are common in the Modern world of today. God could easily represent the ruling body, king or president of any number of nations. The rebellion of Satan could be embodied as the actions of activists in the system that is only seeking to find a form of equality. This argument could continue on to accuse God, or the government, of intentionally allowing the rebellion to occur in order to demonstrate their true power. The overriding principle of Hell is the inherent darkness as opposed to the unequaled beauty and light that heaven possess. This is reflective the distance that Satan remains away from the true path of light and resolve. The human condition is often described as the quest to find a balance and light in life, while at the same moment striving to fend off the darkness. With even a base failing, Milton illustrates the dangers of falling in to the pit of darkness and despair that is Hell.
The once beautiful beings that have become demons are Milton illustrating what will happen to the soul of the corrupt believer. With the loss of grace, the once Angels are doomed to realize the full extent of their loss, yet, the human condition precludes this knowledge, making humanity prey to the base nature that Satan’s offers. Utilizing the attraction of opposites, that Hell will in fact one day reign over Heaven, Satan’s uses the capacity for corruption to draw the faithful away from the path of truth and light.
Much of the irony that lies in Milton’s expression of divinity lies in the people and institutions that are credited with being worthy of respect and praise. Once sacred institutions such as the Catholic Church have been equated with many of the trespasses that Satan’s has been credited with advocating. Additionally, many in the world today would be likely to take Satan as an ally in their effort to find equality, even naming him a ‘freedom fighter’. Perhaps what I find the most ironic is that the positions of authority in the modern world are expected to be questioned, and lacking a sometimes violent rebellion, many unstable and repressive regimes and leaders would still be in power today. In the end, concepts and perceptions change, yet the story remains the same.
Works cited
Milton, John. Paradise lost. Charlottesville, Va.: University of Virginia Library, 1993. Print.
