The Great Debate
Unfortunately, I missed class on Friday and didn’t get to discuss the events within book two; so, I’d like to explore the “demonic debate.” First of all, I thought Milton’s arrangement of speakers was interesting. Moloch is the first demon to bring forth a plan-another war; then, Belial suggests that they are lucky to be in the situation they are in because God could have more severe reprimands; next, Mammon claims that making Hell a kingdom of its own is the best solution. When he spoke, Mammon said, “Let us not then pursue-by force impossible…but rather seek our own good from ourselves and from our own live to ourselves” (line 249). Immediately after reading this line I thought of Booker T. Washington and his approach to segregation; he, like Mammon, believed in bettering his situations by bettering himself-Washington wanted blacks to prove themselves hard workers and earn their respect. Likewise, Mammon is suggesting advancing the devil’s freedom by working in Hell. Can you see the connection? Another thing Mammon mentioned that I’d like to bring your attention to begins on line 231: “Him to unthrone we then may hope when everlasting Fate shall yield to fickle chance…” It’s strange that Milton uses Fate here, because from reading Beowulf we know that fate is a belief of the Pagans. So, do you think that he is conveying to the readers that paganism is a demonic religion? Anyway, back from my tangent, following Mammon is Beezlebub. In my opinion, he is the most level-headed speaker and recognizes that “He, be sure, in heighth or depth still first and last will reign” (line 323). This may be a far stretch, but I was wondering if this is where the term “devil’s advocate” was derived. Beezlebub is the devil’s right-hand-man and offers the best solution: to inflict sin within God’s human creatures. What do you think? To conclude my talk of the debaters, why do you think Milton organized the speakers in this particular order? What effect could this have on the readers or plot?
Next, the way Milton describes this “democratic demon debate,” makes me wonder if he is satirizing politicians. These devils are savvy speakers and can lead people to believe something that may not be true or righteous. For example, Satan slyly speaks to Eve and convinces her to eat the forbidden fruit. So, what, if anything, is Milton trying to say about politicians? On a side note, this made me think of Nixon and his deceit towards our country. ARE ALL POLITICIANS DEMONS IN DISGUISE?! Just kidding…I’d like to hear your thoughts on the parallel between politicians and devils.
Speaking of parallels, how about Satan and his self-sacrifice? When offers to sacrifice himself to search for the humans, did this remind you of God sacrificing his only son for the good of the people?! Is this the devil poking fun at Christ, or Milton relating the two opposing figures? It’s perplexing.
Word Count: 491
Paige,
You made some profound observations while reading this section. By comparing the tactics that Mammon suggested to Booker T. Washington’s ideas about segregation it made it a lot easier to understand. Its amazing how many things that Milton wrote about relate to how things played out in the future. Something that we talked about on Friday was some of the differences in the speeches and a major thing that stood out to everybody was that some of the speakers seemed to have the same thoughts about life as that of a suicidal person.
Another thing that you touched on was paganism and how you felt that it might have been portrayed as a demonic religion. I do not think that Milton was purposely trying to inset this idea; I think that his intention was to just emphasize the fact that it would be impossible to overcome the almighty God in a war.
You made a great point about Milton satirizing politicians. When I was reading this section, it made me feel as if I was reading presidential candidate’s speeches presenting their plans for action about the future. Once again it is very ironic that Milton’s writing relates so closely to modern times. Anyway, getting back to the point, I strongly agree with your statement. I think that Milton was poking fun at politicians. Most politicians have been portrayed as deceiving people, doing whatever it takes to get into office, making commercials and statements about their opponents that may be bending the truth a bit, and maybe just telling the people what they want to hear not the entire truth. Furthermore, I think that he did so even more by having Beelzebub present Satan’s ideas not his own. This touches on the fact that politicians sometimes just act as figures that present the ideas and beliefs of the people that work for them.
I thought that you did an excellent job with your interpretations of the text.
—Caitlin
Word Count: 331