The word DEVILISH, used in association with machinery makes a statement about Milton's view of science and its role in society. Milton was a devout Puritan, and the Puritans were one of many religious sects which opposed technological progress, believing that it was against God and that it bred atheism. Whether Milton himself shared this viewpoint is not clear. He uses the description DEVILISH to show the horror of machinery that is used only for war. It is interesting that in his simile comparing Satan to an ENGINE, Milton uses the word DEVILISH to describe its nature. Satan is the Devil, so this should make the comparison quite clear.

The word, ENGINE, according to its definition circa Milton's time, means "cannon". By using the word, ENGINE, Milton compares Satan to a weapon, or a thing incapable of controlling its actions and that is destined to repeat the same task over and over again. ENGINE could also be used to suggest that Satan is a pawn or a literary device which Milton uses to further the message of his poem. Satan is the driving force behind the events to come in the Fall of Adam and Eve. He is the instrument through which strife and war enter the world. Satan is explosive, full of fire, and dangerous, much like a cannon. The war allusion most likely relates to Milton's specific historical period, where the government was in transition and the country was engaged in a civil war. It emphasizes the disgust that Milton and many of his country felt for the incessant fighting, caused by both political and religious groups. This perhaps even suggests that Milton believes evil, or in this case, Satan, to be the real cause of all human strife.

ENGINE; defined in another way could be interpreted as a type of machine. The origin of this definition, as opposed to the definition of Milton's time casts a rather negative light on machines and science, in general. This could be a result of the tumultuous times to follow Milton's, where religion and science come into severe conflict. Milton wrote about religious doubt in his poem, ";Lycidas", as well, and alluded to the turn of thought towards the more tangible or practical

Lisa Stanton loyaltotheroyal@hotmail.com