‘Only the most naïve reader could be seduced by the Satan of Book IX of Paradise Lost.’ How far do you agree?

The character of Satan is perhaps the most intriguing in Paradise Lost. He embodies evil by rebelling against the authority of God in heaven, yet he retains intelligence, emotion and even a disarming charisma. It is certainly not only the most naïve reader who will find him seductive, indeed every reader of Paradise Lost will find him so. This is Milton’s deliberate intention: by allowing Satan a voice, in dialogue and particularly soliloquy, the reader is left vulnerable to his temptation. It is only by experiencing his temptation and resisting that we can become truly good. However, Milton does not leave the reader unequipped to resist Satan’s temptation. A careful reader will notice the lies, discrepancies and false logic that characterises his seduction of Eve. While empathising with his recognisably human emotions, we are made aware of the destructive evil that underlies all his actions. Even in moments when Satan seems to show potential for good, his nihilistic tendencies and Milton’s cautioning narrative voice should disillusion us. Thus, all readers of Book IX will experience Satan’s seduction but only the most naïve, lacking judgement and care, could be seduced.