Incens'd with indignation Satan stood Unterrify'd, and like a comet burn'd That fires the length of Ophiuchus huge In th' arctic sky, and from his horrid hair Shakes pestilence and war.
Interpretation
This quote portrays Satan's fierce and undaunted nature, likening him to a powerful comet that brings destruction.
In this excerpt from John Milton's work, Satan is depicted as a formidable figure, filled with anger and defiance. His presence is compared to a comet that streaks across the sky, signifying not only his destructive power but also his resilience, as he stands undeterred amidst chaos. The reference to 'pestilence and war' suggests the consequences of his wrath, symbolizing broader themes of conflict and tumult in the universe.
In practice
In a discussion about the nature of evil in literature, this quote from Milton could exemplify the embodiment of malevolence.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Man is obviously made for thinking. Therein lies all his dignity and his merit; and his whole duty is to think as he ought.
Each man must have his I; it is more necessary to him than bread; and if he does not find scope for it within the existing institutions he will be likely to make trouble.
...if you are overdressed, it is a comment on them. If you are under dressed, it is a comment on you.
Beauty is the brilliance of truth.
If words were invented to conceal thought, newspapers are a great improvement of a bad invention
Even the blind and meek and voiceless have gods.
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