Individual Post: Historical Information/Quotation

As a reader of Paradise Lost, I am very troubled by the fact that Satan's supposed followers do not seem to be united in their thoughts. Without a united front, I find it hard to believe that Satan actually thought that he and his followers stood any chance against such a foe as God himself. Satan is obviously most concerned with making sure that he somehow gets revenge against God, which for him means that another battle is imminent. Satan did his best to convince his followers that the war in Heaven had not been lost yet, and he makes this point very clear right from the beginning of the debate that takes place in Pandemonium.

"Powers and Dominions, Deitites of Heav'n,/ For since no deep within her gulf can hold/ Immortal vigour, though opprest and fall'n,/ I give not Heav'n for lost. (Book II. 11-14)

The next to speak is the angel Moloch, who just happens to also be a fierce warrior. He does share Satan's sentiments in that he is pushing for war, but his motivations differ from those of Satan. Moloch feels that he and the other angels must go to war with Heaven again simply because nothing could be worse than the Hell that they currently find themselves in.

"What can be worse/ Than to dwell here, driv'n out from bliss, condemn'd/ In this abhorred deep to utter woe;" (Book II. 85-87)

For me, the most troubling argument comes from the angel Belial, known for his great wisdom and intelligence. Belial takes a very different approach to looking at the situation that these angels find themselves in. Unlike Moloch, Belial does not feel that God has punished them to the extent that he could have, and war is not the solution. Belial is optimistic enough to believe that there is a chance that God may even forgive them someday.

"Shall we then live thus vile, the race of Heav'n/ Thus trampl'd, thus expelled to suffer here/ Chains and torments? better these than worse/ By my advice; since fate inevitable/ Subdues us, and Omnipotent Decree,/ The Victor's will." (Book II. 194-199)

Overall, without definite agreement between all of the angels involved in the conquest, there seems to be little hope that they could overcome the almighty ruler. Unless they come up with a better plan of that is.........

Sheryl W