How does Milton use paganism to describe the fallen angels in Paradise Lost? Your answer should be based on your close reading of Paradise Lost, Book I.

Milton’s Purpose in Invoking Paganism

Milton, a highly educated Renaissance humanist, believed in the power of classical learning. His use of pagan imagery isn’t a sign of theological inconsistency, but rather a rhetorical strategy. By comparing the fallen angels to figures like Titans and Olympian gods, he simultaneously grants them a certain tragic dignity while also implicitly demonstrating the limitations of pagan belief systems. The sheer scale of the rebellion necessitates a language of epic grandeur, and the classical world provided Milton with a readily available vocabulary for describing such immensity.

Physical Descriptions and Classical Allusions

The physical descriptions of the fallen angels in Book I are heavily indebted to pagan iconography. They are not depicted as monstrous demons, but as figures of immense stature and beauty, albeit marred by their defeat. Consider the lines describing their appearance after the fall: “like whom the flames of Troy consumed with ruin” (I.162-163). This direct allusion to the Trojan War immediately evokes images of heroic warriors, albeit ones who have suffered a catastrophic loss. Their armor, described with meticulous detail, recalls the craftsmanship associated with Vulcan, the Roman god of the forge.

Pandemonium: A Pagan Capital

The construction of Pandemonium, the capital city of Hell, is perhaps the most striking example of Milton’s pagan appropriation. The description of this magnificent, yet desolate, palace draws heavily on classical architectural styles. Milton explicitly compares it to a temple, suggesting a perversion of sacred space. The very name “Pandemonium” – meaning “all demons” – is a neologism constructed from Greek roots, further emphasizing the poem’s classical influences. The architectural grandeur of Pandemonium, while impressive, is ultimately hollow and serves as a symbol of the fallen angels’ pride and their separation from God.

Speeches and Rhetorical Devices

The speeches delivered by the fallen angels, particularly those of Satan, are infused with classical rhetoric. Satan’s famous speech, urging his fellow angels to resist God, echoes the defiant pronouncements of tragic heroes like Prometheus. He employs persuasive techniques reminiscent of classical orators, appealing to their pride and sense of injustice. The use of rhetorical questions, elaborate metaphors, and appeals to honor are all hallmarks of classical oratory. However, Milton subtly undermines Satan’s rhetoric by revealing its self-serving nature and its ultimate futility.

Table: Pagan Allusions in Book I of *Paradise Lost*

Allusion	Classical Figure/Concept	Milton’s Purpose
Troy	The Trojan War, Trojan heroes	To emphasize the scale of the fall and the tragic fate of the angels.
Vulcan	Roman god of the forge	To highlight the craftsmanship and artistry of the angels’ armor.
Pandemonium	Greek roots (“pan” – all, “daimon” – demon)	To create a sense of grandeur and desolation, a perversion of sacred space.
Prometheus	Greek Titan who defied Zeus	To draw parallels between Satan’s rebellion and classical acts of defiance.

Furthermore, the fallen angels are often described using epithets traditionally associated with classical gods – “godlike” or “immortal” – which ironically underscores their diminished state. This juxtaposition of grandeur and degradation is a key feature of Milton’s technique.