Epic Poetry and Psychological Complexity (was NPPF Canto 1: 1-4 some random notes)

[Terrance]

> 
> I don't see entrapment on Milton's part, only because he puts two dynamics
> into play.  

There is no doubt about the entrapment of but a select few heroes --the
series of great and greater men from Adam to Jesus, from Milton to the a
few Men who will not be entrapped. 


On the one hand, we have the character of Satan who, especially
> early in the epic, conveys a sense of having been wronged by the "tyrant of
> Heav'n," etc.  But on the other hand, sporadically during the narrative and
> especially in the earliest Books, the voice of the bard seeps through at key
> points of dialogue to remind the reader of the treachery behind Satan's (or
> later the various fallen legions's) words. So, by sprinkling throughout
> Satan's seemingly persuasive and honeyed speeches lines like
> 
> "So spake th' apostate angel, though in pain,
> Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair" (I:125-26)
> 
> or

Subtle? While we  don't need these comments, the plot is quite enough to
convince us that Satan is the  evil one, we get them from the very start
of the drama and through out and they are not subtle.  



If Milton hadn't provided this gentle appeal
> to the reader's conscience (or Reason?), I'd agree with you that the poet is
> guilty of entrapment.  But Milton gives the reader an "out," if only s/he
> will heed the words.
> 
> Sorta like Milton's God.   : )

Not sure what you mean, but Milton's God is a bore, an abstraction.
Satan is alive, is all too human.