Sparknotes paradise lost how to#
Sparknotes paradise lost free#

Importance to the larger work - Although we're still just beginning Paradise Lost, and this passage exemplifies Satan's character very much earlier on, it is of great significance to the rest of the work.

Sparknotes paradise lost how to#

A true leader should not seek the advice of others to figure out how to attack an enemy.ģ. The phrase 'who can advise may speak' makes his leadership skill seem poor because a leader does not seek advise from the ones below him, he gives orders and makes sure things go accordingly. His uncertainty of waging the war is made evident when he questions how God should be attacked 'whether of open war or covert guile' (line 41). Who can advise may speak.' Satan wants to be the ultimate leader but yet is not sure if it is a good idea to wage this war to heaven and it seems he speaks highly of how him and his falling angels can concquer the heavens but yet there seems to be uncertainty in his views. From lines 16 to 39, he (Satan) brags of how heaven would be a better place if he took over, in line Milton states ' surer to prosper than prosperity' but there is some sort of uncertainty in the lines that follow ' We now debate. However in line 16 'and trust themselves to fear no second fate', almost as if he fears there will be a second fate but with trust in themselves the falling angels might just overcome any fear of loosing this second war. From lines 11-42, he ask for opinions on whether or not to wage this war. summary - In book II, milton focuses on Satan's wanting to rise to redemption. The main theme of the reading is revenge. It almost seems Satan is not very confident in waging the war to heaven. The final lines, then, assures the reader that although Satan is set in his belief of this war, he w ants to see who is on his side or who will join him and therefore 'opens the floor,' to the rest of the fallen angels to see who will be opposed to war and who, ultimately, will stand with him.

Satan reiterates that as a 'fraction' (line 32) they will have no chance at standing up against God and winning the war, but 'with this advantage then to / To union and firm faith,' (lines 35-6) they will not only have a fighting chance, but, as he boasts, they will claim their 'just inheritance' (line 38) and conquer. Although his throne is an 'unenvied' one, (line 23) Satan compares his position to God's by saying if he were the ruler of Heaven, instead, perhaps his role would be envied.

Sparknotes paradise lost free#

The footnote helps the reader conclude that by free will and with the help of his numerous achievements, he has gained merit amongst his followers and therefore was granted the title as their leader. He says they must 'trust themselves' (line 16) in order to conquer but more so, in this passage he reflects on how he was the chosen one of the fallen to rule. Satan is a motivational and confident leader, telling his people that 'Celestial Virtues rising will appear' (line 15) referring to the fallen angels' powers and what they could overcome if they unite togethe r. Summary - Satan opens Book II as the newly appointed leader of the 'fallen angels.' He is deliberating with them in an open assembly regarding their war with Heaven, his place on the throne, and his follower's emotions toward both his leadership and the possibility of a second war.