I used to hate in-class group discussions. They never really helped me to wrap my mind around the topic for the day. Mostly, they would just force me to look at the clock more frequently, hoping time would somehow start moving faster. But alas, I have found myself enjoying group discussions more and more. After a horrific and maybe even traumatizing (okay, I may be exaggerating) experience with Paradise Lost, I came out of Thursday's class feeling much more confident. I realized it was okay for me to feel sympathy for Satan. As a matter-of-fact, Milton was purposefully trying to bring those emotions out from the reader!
Our group focused mostly on line 263. Yup, just one line from the poem! As short as it is, this line speaks volumes about Satan's outlook on his situation. I am starting to think that Satan is just trying to be positive. Okay, so he is Satan and has the desire to take over all of Hell, but at least he isn't just crying about his mistakes. I would actually consider him to be a realistic guy. Sulking about bad decisions has never gotten anyone anywhere, in my experience. I think Satan knows he is stuck and can't go back. I think he knows he could repent but is much too proud for that. Plus, he doesn't want to serve. He wants to reign! His desires may not be morally correct or sane, but at least he is committing to what he wants!
http://cdn.themetapicture.com/media/funny-dinosaur-Satan.jpg
