Paradise Lost

Rebellion in Paradise Lost with textual reference and also the examples.

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In Book II, Satan takes on the role of a redeemer of Hell. Later chapters will explain how Satan's rebellion was caused by his jealousy of the Son of God. Now, Satan plays that role in Hell, promising to risk his own safety in order to redeem his followers' torments by taking revenge on Heaven. Satan's envy goes hand-in-hand with his pride. By taking on the role of hero, he expects to gain the exalted place that he was unable to attain by making war on Heaven.

In Book VI, Raphael continues the story of Satan's rebellion. Abdiel leaves Satan's followers and arrives at the Mount of God. He is received with joy by the heavenly host, and praised by God for his faithfulness. Abdiel has withstood Satan's reproach and derision, which is more difficult to bear than violence. Abdiel can now join with God's army to fight the rebels.

At the end of the battle, God instructs Messiah to cast Satan and his forces into Hell. The Son praises God, and the next joins the battle, driving the Father's chariot. He addresses God's army, telling them that they have fought valiantly, but Satan's
punishment must be inflicted by God or God's appointed. Since Satan rebelled because of envy directed at the Son of God, the Son of God will cast him out. The Son's face becomes terrifying, as He routs Satan and his followers, driving them all into Hell. The army of Heaven is triumphant, and the Son is received into glory beside the Father.

Raphael finishes the story with an admonishment to Adam. Satan now envies Adam, and may try to tempt him. Raphael's story should serve as a warning of the terrible price of disobedience to God.

Of man’s first disobedience, and the fruit
Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste
Brought death into the world, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater man
Restore us, and regain the blissful seat,
Sing Heav’nly Muse…
What in me is dark
Illumine, what is low raise and support;
That to the heighth of this great argument
I may assert Eternal Providence,
And justify the ways of God to men. (Milton 1.1.26)

Fall’n Cherub, to be weak is miserable
Doing or suffering: but of this be sure,
To do aught good never will be our task,
But ever to do ill our sole delight,
As being the contrary to his high will
Whom we resist. If then his Providence
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good,
Our labour must be to pervert that end,
And out of good still to find means of evil… (Milton 1.157-165)

The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n…
Here we may reign secure, and in my choice
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav’n. (Milton 1.254-263)

Source(s)

Paradise Lost