REVISE – Satan’s speech

Match the lines (1-5) form Paradise Lost to the correct paraphrased version of the same line (A-E).
Write the correct letters in the gaps.
1 Is this the Region, this the Soil, the Clime […] this mournful gloom / For that celestial light? ________
2 farthest from him is best / Whom reason hath equall'd, force hath made supreme / Above his equals. ________
3 Farewell happy Fields / Where Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrors, hail / Infernal world. ________
4 A mind not to be chang'd by Place or Time. / The mind is its own place, and in itself / Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n. ________
5 Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n. ________

A Our minds have the power to create our own reality, regardless of our physical surroundings.
B It is preferable to be a ruler in Hell than a servant in Heaven.
C This place is a terrible substitute for the glory of Heaven.
D Being as far away from God as possible is the best situation for one who is God's equal in reasoning, but who God has overpowered with force.
E I welcome these terrifying surroundings, this world of Hell.

The poet uses latinised words to achieve an elevated style suitable for an epic poem. Look at the words below and decide if they are latinised or not latinised.

King                 ________
Celestial          ________
Sovran             ________
Owner             ________
Hellish             ________
Clime               ________
Dispose           ________
Gloom             ________

Imagine Satan looking at the surrounding landscape and complete the text with words given.
Satan gazed upon the ________ landscape. This was the place they were to exchange for the ________ of Heaven. The air was thick with ________: a contrast to the ________ fields where joy resided. The ________ world was a chilling testament to their fall.

Match the quotes from STEP 2 with the corresponding attitude to understand Satan's thoughts. Then describe how Satan's feelings and mindset evolve from one quote to the next.

1 Is this the Region, this the Soil, the Clime […] this mournful gloom / For that celestial light?
________
2 farthest from him is best / Whom reason hath equall'd, force hath made supreme / Above his equals.
________
3 Farewell happy Fields / Where Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrors, hail / Infernal world.
________
4 A mind not to be chang'd by Place or Time. / The mind is its own place, and in itself / Can make a Heav'n of Hell, a Hell of Heav'n.
________
5 Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n.
________

Complete the text with the words given. Then look at the prompts in bold and write some extra reflections in your exercise book. You can use the final text as revision material for your test.

Satan, in Milton's Paradise Lost, presents a complex figure that some interpret as possessing characteristics of an epic hero. (Do you remember the traits of an epic hero? Give some examples.) He shows a strong sense of ________, refusing to conform to the divine order.^{His ________ is evident in his commitment to his own will, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Additionally, Satan exhibits undeniable ________, as he resists alone against what appears to be an ineluctable fate. (Refer to STEP 2 and select some quotes that show these features of the character). Even the powerful style of expression and use of complex, latinised words further contribute to his ________ stature. (Refer to some examples listed in STEP 4.) However, it is important to understand that Satan's heroism is deeply ________. Unlike traditional epic heroes, who often embody ________ (Refer to examples of epic heroes that embody virtue.), Satan is a rebel who disobeys God.Therefore, while his strength and defiance might appeal to some, his actions challenge the very definition of a ________ heroic model. For many, the fact that he acts against God, the ultimate power of good, makes it difficult for him to be seen as a true hero.}