Name: Of the Creator and the Creation
Item: "Paradise Lost
Author: tokyodrifter

"Paradise Lost →

by John Milton

Of the Creator and the Creation

tokyodrifter

Jan 19, 2025 8:23 PM

The legend of John Milton is almost as incredible as the legend his magnum opus reinterprets. Blind and poor, he nevertheless managed to dictate a poem about the story of Genesis in the style of Greek and Roman epics, fleshing out God's construction of the cosmos, the finer points of His law as delivered through Christ, and the dual fall of both Satan and Adam. As a work of devotion akin to the Sistine Chapel or the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption, it's second to none. As a work unto itself, it's pretty good too. Call it Christian fanfic par excellence.

I find it interesting how so much of the reputation of Paradise Lost revolves around the concept of Satan as hero, and wonder someone stupid enough to believe that could have possibly read something this complex. Satan is very clearly not a hero - nor would someone as devout as Milton portray him as anything but a villain. He is relatable, and cool, and sexy, because that's how evil comes to us. But he is only those things in part. His monologues ricochet between Tate-style motivational pap and pathetic self-pity (see how he laments his inability to feel Heaven's light in Book III). Milton's interpretation of him is evocative, but no less evocative are Milton's interpretation of God creating the world - truly some of the most beautiful poetry I've ever read - and Paradise coming to ruin after Adam's fall. How can someone read those passages and think of God as anything but good, or Satan as anything but evil?

Much has also been made of Paradise Lost in light of Milton's republicanism. It may seem troubling that a man of his political leanings would portray God as omniscient ruler and Satan as proud rebel. I don't find these two concepts difficult to reconcile: to a devout Christian, the only true king is God, and all other kings a pale imitation. Render unto Caesar, or unto the colonial government, as the case may be.

Lest this review become too much a reaction to the reflections of others - I do wish Milton had gone a little more into what part of Satan caused his fall, because the ontology on display is rather fascinating, neither fully in line with mainline Christian thought at the time nor fully in rebellion. He takes great care in his depiction of God as omniscient, depriving Satan of the self-determination he would claim as consolatory victory. Milton's attention to detail is wonderful too - one of my favorite observations is that Satan does not actually fall from Heaven, but leaps in terror upon seeing Christ.

I should also mention that the last two books feel somewhat superfluous, and I don't think much would have been lost in their absence. But what of it? The beauty of Paradise Lost comes not only from its syntax and symbology, but from Milton's devotion to his ideals, and the length he went to in their service. The Lord adds flaws to the near-perfect whole so we might better enjoy those parts unblemished. (Oh, wait - I'm pretty sure Satan uses that same argument to convince Eve to bite the apple...)

yarb

11 months ago

I think we see Satan as a hero precisely because he’s flawed. Self-pity and delusions of self-actualization are relatable traits. But yeah, I can’t see many devout Christians rooting for him (although I really believe Milton knew what he was doing in this respect). N.b. I don’t think he was what you’d call poor, was he?