Milton recognised this and understood how difficult it would be for a person to relate to God. Also, his audience are undoubtedly scholars who would find a simple story retelling predictable, if not boring. So to counteract this, he adopts the perspective of the most evil character of all time. This clever technique captivates the audience entirely. Never before had Satan's words been heard. The Bible is full of God's words (via disciples) and nobody is brave enough to oppose or challenge these sacred religious rules, until Satan, as revealed by Milton. It is as though we are hearing the other side of the story, the other side of the argument. In having this argument, Satan is ensuring his eternal damnation, however the mere attempt is wondrously daring.
In Paradise Lost' Milton's beliefs are presented through Satan as he commands his army of fallen angels. Milton is concerned with expressing the enormity and reality of Satan in flesh, and in pride. The reader gets the feeling that Milton personally respected his evil character because he frequently compares Satan to huge powerful symbols or mythological figures such as Leviathan. Milton often illustrates Satan using very impressive and figurative language, to convey a fervent character almost capable of opposing God.
"Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind.
With gems and golden luster rich emblazed-.
A meteor is a very powerful, mysterious and quite possibly destructive entity, perfect in describing Satan and his incomprehensible power. This is an example of the subtle compliments that Milton bestows on Satan, by emphasising his greatness. The idea of Satan being great' is rarely encountered, due to his evil reputation. However, in Milton's portrayal he is showing how Satan's greatness can be admirable. .
Milton gives an in-depth description of the putrid, enveloping blackness of hell to help the reader understand Satan's depressing situation.
