Satanís words of defiance can be compared to a fiery sermon delivered by a fervent preacher, except instead of praising God as a pure clergyman would, this corrupt man hails Hell. In the act of ìhailingî Hell and bidding adieu to Heaven, he embraces his damnation, thus verbally sealing his fate as a condemned soul.  His pride is so great that instead of atoning for his sins, he deepens them by shunning God.  In doing so he makes it impossible for him to ever return to a life in a state of grace. These short phrases are compact and end with exclamation points, which give them power and emotion. They also break from the meter of iambic pentameter as each syllable receives an accent instead of every second syllable.  Such syntax serves to pack the short phrases with intensity to show the passion Satan is feeling.  Also, William Shakespeare would often have his characters in his plays, which were also composed in blank verse, break form iambic pentameter to show that they are in a disorderly state of mind.  Milton may be employing the same device to further emphasize Satanís mental state, which is disorderly to say the least.  He addresses ìhorrorsî and ìinfernal worldsî as if they were human, or worse yet gods, continuing the political theme of a corrupt minister.  This demonstrates his distance from God as well as his spiritual debasement.  There is alliteration using an ìhî sound, which conveys a sense of heavy breathing as a result of passionate speech.  The very use of the words ìhorrorsî and ìinfernalî indicate that Hell is a very painful place for Satan to be.  Yet the force of his vengeful will is enough to allow him to withstand, and even rise above such pain.  In order to plan and carry out his revenge, he must utilize his mind, and the fact that he can do so in such a state of agony is remarkable.  These lines, though short in length, are filled with power and feeling, allowing the reader a glimpse of the force of Satanís will and hatred of God, which establishes him as a desperate and wrathful being, capable of terrible deeds. 

Meghan Haughey

Megsabelle@hotmail.com