Milton, Paradise Lost

Books I (cont.) and II

Casuistry: analyse Satan's argument at II, 11-42:

Summary: Heaven is not lost to us: here our powers only shine the more. I am your leader by your consent, and surely no one will envy me that in Hell, unlike in Heaven; here with no good to strive for there can be no dissent. Unified as we are we will lay claim to Heaven, and now our debate is whether the war should be open or covert.

Wikipedia definition: Critics use the term pejoratively for the use of clever but unsound reasoning, especially in relation to moral questions (see sophistry). Casuistry is reasoning used to resolve moral problems by applying theoretical rules to particular instances.

It is often a critique of principle or rule-based reasoning. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casuistry

e.g., consider meaning of these words in context:

15 appear
17 trust
18 right
21 merit
24 happier state vs. now
30 good
35 covet (qualifications?)
38 just

Satan's error. Some comments from Harry Blamires, Milton's Creation (1971):

Satan at opening of Book II: as if he has learned nothing from his defeat; aspires to engage in conflict again with heaven. As if Satan rethinks himself for each role he adopts.

Although he aspires to regain heaven, in fact he has accepted hell (I, 242-63). His fantasy of new glory, better than if they had never fallen.

And to be saved, not like men through redemptive power of god, but through own efforts, trusting themselves (II, 17).

Satan's superiority over the other fallen angels asserted, claims leadership, since no one else could aspire to such an unenviable position.

The virtue of their union, faith, and firm accord (II, 36). "Nothing succeeds like failure" (27).

Deluded beings that speak after Satan -- Moloch, etc. Abuse of reason and intellect in their speeches.

Review Satan's speeches, his character:

I, 84-124
I, 157-191
I, 242-270
I, 622-662
II, 11-42
II, 430-466

Character of Satan? -- describe in a word or two:

Traits
Emotions
Style
Depth
Scope
Talents
Blind spots
Appearance

Is Satan heroic?

-- characterise him in a sentence or two . . .

 

Books II: some issues ---

Consider what is added to the heroic status of Satan, as shown in Books II

What feelings do Satan and his companions experience?

Is there any evidence that they regret anything?

What is the evil that they experience? What do they fear that would be worse?

Despite (or because of) their mythical status, do Satan and his colleagues have contemporary relevance?

 

Book IV:

Is life in Eden satisfactory for Adam and Eve; if so, why?

What status do Adam and Eve have in their relationship?

What is the status of the Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge? (see IV, 218-222)

Does Milton's approach to sex challenge other views?

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Document created February 5th 2009