What do the following sentences from "Paradise Lost" mean?

[majinrevan666]

"Wherefore do I assume these royalties, and not refuse to reign, refusing to accept as great a share of hazard, as of honor due alike to him who reigns, and so much to him due of hazard more, as he above the rest high honored sits?"
-Lucifer

My take on it is that Lucifer is saying something along the lines of: Why would I accept the honor of leading you if I were not also willing to accept such danger as accompanies such a role?

However, on the explanation section it says that he is trying to justify taking hell's throne ex post facto.
I don't see how he is doing that considering how I interpret his words.

So, two questions.

1.Is my interpretation correct?
1a.If not what is the correct one and why?
2.If my interpretation is correct, how is Lucifer trying to justify his assuming of hell's throne after the fact if he is just saying that he will accept the burden that comes with it?


Also, what does "men only disagree of creatures rational" mean?

[PoeticPassions]

I think your interpretation is correct, in its simplified form. Satan is asking why should he take on the privilege of rule if he is not ready to also accept its dangers (all who rule are due hazard and honor alike, but more hazard as he says). However, I do also think that this line is a justification for his rule/throne, particularly as he says 'and not refuse to reign.' He is saying 'why should I take on this honor, and not refuse to reign?' I see it as him pronouncing that he has been bestowed this royalty, and as such it is his duty to reign... in a sense, then, he is justifying his throne (or explaining why it is so). It isn't just mere acceptance of the throne, but rather his reasoning as to why he has assumed it...

Moreover, I do think you need to read the quote in context, along with the rest of his speech. It makes a lot more sense that way and one can see how he is justifying his throne.

I hope that makes sense, and I hope I have clarified somewhat. This, of course, is just my interpretation of the text, so I may be wrong.

[AlysonofBathe]

We are not here to do your homework.

[Charles Darnay]

Certainly consider the context of this quote, and consider that he is placing himself (in honour and hazard) to God.

[majinrevan666]

Certainly consider the context of this quote, and consider that he is placing himself (in honour and hazard) to God.

I don't see how you can derive that from the text.
What he says is might be self serving, but it is in line with accepting one's duty.


We are not here to do your homework.


Then what use are you?


However, I do also think that this line is a justification for his rule/throne, particularly as he says 'and not refuse to reign.' He is saying 'why should I take on this honor, and not refuse to reign?' I see it as him pronouncing that he has been bestowed this royalty, and as such it is his duty to reign... in a sense, then, he is justifying his throne (or explaining why it is so). It isn't just mere acceptance of the throne, but rather his reasoning as to why he has assumed it...

I guess it all depends on what the word "royalties" means in that context.
I had assumed that he was repeating himself, saying: "Why would I accept leading you, and not refuse to reign..."

I'm not so sure anymore.

By whom do you believe he's claiming he's been bestowed this royalty?

[metal134]

We are not here to do your homework.
It's called discussion. That's how books are deciphered. Interpretations aren't made in a bloody vacuum.

[Charles Darnay]

It's called discussion. That's how books are deciphered. Interpretations aren't made in a bloody vacuum.

There are some who post threads looking for discussion and thoughts - then there are others that come seeking people to do their homework. Personally I think this one falls into the first category - but you can never be sure.

[metal134]

Well even if it is, why is that so bad? It's still just stimulating discussion. That's how you learn. The poster didn't just come in and say, "give me the answer".

[majinrevan666]

There are some who post threads looking for discussion and thoughts - then there are others that come seeking people to do their homework. Personally I think this one falls into the first category - but you can never be sure.

For the record, I'm not.

Not sure why you would think I was.

[Charles Darnay]

I don't.

[majinrevan666]

Never mind, read that wrong.