This passage is pivotal in that it marks the point of no return for Satan.  It is a line in of itself and is offset by a colon in the previous line.  Such punctuation use reinforces its importance.  He says ìfarewellî to any chance of absolution and with open arms welcomes his damnation.  The reader knows that he is not going to rule in Hell because Hell already rules him.  He is corrupted by sin and guilt, and thus has Hell within him, ruling him.  He has convinced himself that he can find freedom in the bonds of pain, but he will never be truly free again.  He carries with him the weight of his sins wherever he goes, and will ultimately condemn mankind to a similar fate.

It is also another indication of his pride, for he would rather suffer for all time in a horrid pit if he can be the ruler than live by the rule of another.  This theme is found elsewhere in literature.

Meghan Haughey

Megsabelle@hotmail.com