Paradise Lost

In book II of Paradise Lost, Beelzebub's speech is preceeded with such an elaborate description of his standing up and of his stature that it automatically alerts the reader that something of great importance is about to be said or done. Milton uses anastrophe in lines 299-300 to emphasize Beelzebub's status and to draw the reader's attention to what he is about to say. Everything is exaggerated and stated in a grand way- he is not wise, he is sage; he is not strong, he has the shoulders of Atlas; he does not merely stand, he becomes a pillare of state. What is interesting about this description however, is not that it glorifies Beelzebub, but that it glorifies him to a point that is almost Christ-like. Going through and pulling out certain words and phrases ("grave...he rose...a pillar of state...princely counsel in his face yet shone, majestic though in ruin...shoulders fit to bear the weight...drew audience and attention still as night..."), it would be hard to distinguish this description from one of Christ. Although at the time of the action in the epic, Christ has not yet come, his parallel seems intended and blatant. Not only does he make him seem Christ-like, he also assigns to him what appear to be concern and compassion in the lines, "deep on his front engraven/deliberation sat and public care." Honestly, this description left me confused as to Milton's intended message. Is he glorifying Hell and these fallen angels and asking us to be skeptical of Christ? Or is it a warning that often times what seems good and enticing is often times not, as seen in the consequence to mankind of Beelezbub's proposal? Or further still, is he asking us to see good in evil, proposing that even the lowest of the low possess redeeming qualities even though not always appropiately applied? Perhaps the grand and noble image that Beelzebub projects is merely a facade and therefore a commentary by Milton on politicians. Maybe the prince and monarchy that he refers to are not heavenly ones, but those on earth and specifically, corrupt ones who pretend to be looking out for the public's best interest, but in reality, have their own agenda.

The final thought I have as to an intended meaning is found in line 298. It states that they should create Hell "In emulation opposite to Heav'n," yet immediately after, the lines are flooded with allusions to Christ. Perhaps Milton is emphasizing the fact that their is no escaping God.