Parody within Paradise Lost
John Milton’s Paradise Lost Books 1 and 2 are epic poems and important pieces of English literature about the fall of man in the Bible. The first two poems concern Satan and the other demon’s dealings in hell before Satan enters the Garden of Eden. There is a strong theme of disobedience throughout which drives the poem. One feature of Paradise Lost that often goes unnoticed is Milton’s use of satire. His use of satire is a play on current English politics, pagan warrior culture, and the Christian religion.
First, the debate in the pandemonium reflects the real life English politics at the time. During his time, Milton has seen the monarchy overthrown in the English Civil War, and the monarchy restored with Charles II. These events have created a distaste in politicians for Milton. We see this as the demons, who symbolize English politicians and the crown, debate over different evil causes rather than submit to God, which is the correct path. The demon Moloch wants to fight another war against God and heaven since they are already in Hell. Mammon also does not want to submit to God, but rather make hell the demons own heaven. Beezlebub advocates “To waste [God’s] whole creation,”humans (Line 365). Each of these actions put forward by powerful demons in hell will not help their situation at all. This is a parody because of how the disagreements in the English Parliament (A place of debate) led to the English Civil War.
In the first two books, Milton writes Satan as a hero-like figure, which is a parody of the Anglo Saxon Pagan culture, and the Bible. Anglo Saxon Pagan culture has a strong sentiment towards heroic warriors. One such hero would be Beowulf from the epic poem of the same name. Beowulf and Milton’s Satan share similarities like their large pride which leads to both of their downfalls. Milton’s writing of Satan would make the reader unknowing in religion think that Satan is a hero who is standing up against the totalitarian figure God. In lines 106 and 108 of book 1, Satan proclaims he has “the unconquerable will… And courage never to submit or yield.”
A strong will and courage to never give up are traits assigned to heroic warriors. Therefore, with these traits being assigned to Satan, an evil spirit, Milton parodies the Anglo Saxon Pagan warrior culture. At the same time he parodies Christian theology as he makes Satan out to be a spirit who would sacrifice himself for others. In the lines “while [Satan] abroad Through all the coasts of dark destruction seek Deliverance for us all,” we see Satan declare how he will go through danger to better the situation for the demons (lines 463–465). In truth, Satan would not go through true danger to help his fellow demons, as he only cares for himself to be the most powerful. It is Jesus who actually sacrifices himself to better the situation for humans. Therefore, by writing Satan as one to put himself in danger, he parodies true Christian theology.
In the end, the use of these parodies by Milton showcase Paradise Lost as a political allegory. With the rule of the monarch returning to England in the 1660’s, it was difficult to speak out against the church. Through this political allegory, we can better see Milton’s views against the church of England, the crown, and corrupt politicians.
