Seven Heads, Ten Horns: The History of the Devil Episode 5: Milton's Satan, or, How the Devil became a Snake
Oct 11, 2020
Discover how John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' reshaped the image of Satan into a rebellious anti-hero! Dive into the duality of evil as Milton portrays Satan's internal struggles and complex motivations. Explore the irony of his punishment as he transforms into a serpent, exemplifying divine justice. The discussion also touches on themes of free will versus servitude, painting a striking portrait of ambition and defeat. Get ready to rethink the nature of good and evil through the lens of this epic poem!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Milton's Upbringing and Education
- John Milton, born in 1608, hailed from a musical family and lived in a six-story London tenement.
- Despite a potential suspension from Cambridge, he excelled, earning the moniker "Lady of Christ's."
Paradise Lost: A Shift in Focus
- Milton's Paradise Lost, penned by a defeated revolutionary, shifted from English history to more infernal matters.
- The poem's familiarity poses a challenge, as many readers believe they already know the story.
The Lake of Fire: A Symbolic Beginning
- Milton's starting point in Paradise Lost, a lake of fire with fallen angels, is a deliberate narrative choice.
- This evokes imagery of rebirth and awakening for the anti-hero, Satan.
