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I'm currently writing a paper about God and his role in Paradise Lost. I am trying to prove or at least support the idea that Milton tries to portray him, in subtle ways, as not being omnipotent, benevolent or really king at all. Any suggestions on where to turn? Or lines that might back this idea up?
I think you're on to a loser.
Milton believed that God was omnipotent, benevolent etc.
Milton's dilemma is that a drama without more or less equal antagonists is somewhat flat. Even though Satan's cause is hopeless, therefore, Milton builds him up as a powerful adversary - Look at the description of the magnificence of Pandemonium, for instance. Try Satan's great speech rallying the spirits of his fallen companions, "What though the field be lost, all is not lost..."
Interesting, perhaps, that Satan, having been soundly defeated in the field, resorts to guerilla warfare - may be a thesis there.
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