According to Issac Asimov, Milton thinks of God as a ìsuper-Zeus.î   Zeus was originally a storm god in Greek mythology.  His signature weapon was the thunderbolt, and using it he struck down the rebel giant Typhon.  This myth is echoed in Satanís rebelling against God, and his defeat by thunderbolts. 

The use of the work ìthunderî also implies a threat of sorts; a manner in speaking which is loud and inspires fear.  Satan may be stating that the reason why God has so many followers is because he is an awesome speaker (awesome in the sense of inspiring awe).  He also may be commenting that His loud, booming voice frightened his fellow devils, and he is much like a dog that is all bark but no bite.  This is a perfect example of Satanís attempts to rationalize his failed rebellion and his plan to rebel again.

Meghan Haughey

Megsabelle@hotmail.com