STORGE

Critical appreciation of “The Paradise Lost”.

Lines 104-125, Book I

- Sumer Pawar

I will be implementing the structuralist approach to critically appreciate the poem. Satan, once an arch-angel along with some associates of his. Had rebelled against the Creator God and wanted him to be worshipped rather than God. He is already fighting a lost battle. He knows God’s magnificence and authority overall (Refer Matthew 28:20, 1 Peter 3:21b-22, Colossians 1:15-20). The Book of Genesis, makes it indisputable that God created the world (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-3) which puts forth, that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth”. God had also created angelic beings. Out of which were three leading angels, whose names are noted in the Bible are Gabriel, Michael and Lucifer. Gabriel is seen in the new testament mostly, delivering the message of the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ to Elizabeth, Zechariah and Mary. Michael is an arch-angel whose reference is found in the Book of Jude 1, in the New Testament. Satan, previously called as Lucifer is mentioned in the very first book of the Bible, Genesis chapter 3. Who makes his appearance, in disguise of a serpent to tempt Eve, which later leads to the Fall of Man Genesis 3:14,15 and God tells of sending a Messiah {Jesus Christ} who by his death and resurrection, will reconcile the relationship of God and Man. Ultimately, defeating Satan once and for all. 

This happens in the later part of the story.

Satan and his associates are dreadfully defeated by God’s army. He lost the battle. And was thrown into the bottomless pit – Hell. He is wounded physically and mentally. His actions are directly a rebellion against a Sovereign and Holy God. In previous lines, he mentions that he doesn’t like the reign of God, he wanted utmost power and that power could only be achieved by overthrowing God’s rule in heaven, where he sits on the Throne. He also says that he wanted a throne above God’s throne. He then remembers that how the “Potent Victor” and the “innumerable forces of Spirit” defeated him. He remembers how his lustre has changed after the battle, his appearance is mentioned in the Book of Ezekiel 28:12-13, God says this about him, 

“You had the full measure of perfection and the finishing touch [of completeness], Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. “You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz, and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise, and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and your sockets, Was in you. They were prepared, On the day that you were created.” He goes on to add that he was on the holy mountain of God, he was expelled, this might angelic guardian from his place of stones of fire meaning, “sparkling stones”. It also tells us that how his heart was filled with pride, because of all the beauty he had. The passage also clarifies that God created him “blameless” – which also explains about Satan having “freewill” which he exercised against the One who created him.

“And shook his throne…” Satan thinks that after he has done all this, he has managed to shake the throne of GOD. His struggle and pursuit for power and authority is in vain as well as futile. He knows this firmly that he cannot win the War that he is trying desperately to wage. But one more perspective to look at it is that the Bible as mentions a name to Satan, in the gospel of John he is mentioned as “the liar” as well as the meaning of his name Satan is “adversary”. He falsely attempts to upgrade and bring forth the moral of his warriors by saying the above-mentioned line. In the following lines he also mentions three elements “unconquerable will, study of revenge and immortal hate”. Even though now or later his eternal doom is eminent he counters his future by saying that even if he is defeated in this battle, his will to win against GOD cannot be conquered. As well as this failure at this battle, he wants to retaliate, he wants to grab an opportunity to plan a full-fledged revenge activity against GOD. The pride in his heart, has caused himself to curate an immortal hate against GOD. This remark should be made, if your theology is right then your philosophy is right will ultimately paves way for a right living and conduct. He doesn’t actually have proper knowledge about GOD, yes, one may say that he knows about GOD that is a reason for this failed rebellion. But he just knows GOD externally, he doesn’t want to know the heart of GOD, who he really is. Hence, he also makes a statement at the last “the sole tyranny in Heaven”. He also makes a remark “all is not lost” in true light of reality, he has lost everything, the splendour, position and authority, the same has happened with those who assisted him in his unauthorised assignment. The Bible says,  

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

- Philippians 2:10,11

Satan doesn’t want to obey, submit and repent. He is adamant beyond restoration. That is what his philosophy has been through out centuries, proclaiming that there is “NO GOD” but “WE ARE GODS”. Now, at this distasteful and miserable situation, he hardens his heart. Whereas, GOD’s Word strictly warns, if today you hear the Word of GOD don’t harden your hearts. Another such example is the Pharaoh of Egypt who refused to let the Israelites go and worship the LORD in the wilderness. We read of him in the book of Exodus, he constantly hardened his heart if after seeing the marvellous works of GOD. He too similarly had this believe that he is greater than GOD.

Moving on, Satan shows his reluctance through his statement. He won’t bow to GOD, neither ask for his grace or repent. Here one action “suppliant knee” is used very appropriately, this means that he will not submit to GOD, his authority and his will. Now, the words submit and obey are related, but they have different meanings. Obedience is seen externally, I may disagree with you but still obey you, whereas when I submit to GOD, I am externally as well as internally declaring conformity to GOD’s will. Here we see, Satan doesn’t do that. Similarly, he has various misconceptions, he thinks and uses this motivate, cheer up the diminished morale of his comrade, by stating that his rebellion must have threatened GOD. He would be afraid that he would lose against our powerful armies. He thinks that his uprising has caused uproar in the heaven.

He charges Beelzebub for another war, by stating that this “Emphyreal substance” meaning that his body cannot be destroyed. For which, another point to remember he thanks “Fate” rather than “GOD”. He declares, that this great event – the fall of Angels has taught them how to be careful for further invasions in GOD’s territory. He assures his fellow demons that they can win the war, now one point to recollect is that they wage war by force against the “Potent Victor”. He also doesn’t want to reconcile for his rebellion hence he describes “Irreconcieable”. He thinks “he only reigns for now” meaning for a limited time frame and also explains how joyful he must be for his victory against us. Again, Satan has this mistaken identity crisis and suggests that GOD is a “tyrant”.