Close Reading In Practice

1. Close Reading In Practice How to develop sophisticated analysis

2. Satan tells himself that if he repents, “how soon / would hight recall high thoughts, how soon unsay / What feigned submission swore: ease would recant / Vows made in pain, as violent and void” (94-97). WEAK: Satan knows that he is incapable of true remorse; he argues that if he were to be forgiven, he would eventually regret submitting and retract his apology. Satan’s pride is stronger than his desire for forgiveness. BETTER: Satan knows that he is incapable of genuine remorse. He suggests that forgiveness and a return to heaven would only “recall high thoughts,” or feed his pride. He also admits that he cannot truly yield, even briefly; his submission would have to be “feigned,” and his vows of loyalty could be made only “in pain,” which indicates that any contrition would be false from the start. Milton thus suggests that Satan’s pride makes him incapable of reformation, and that genuine contrition is necessary for forgiveness.

3. Satan tells himself that if he repents, “how soon / would hight recall high thoughts, how soon unsay / What feigned submission swore: ease would recant / Vows made in pain, as violent and void” (94-97). BEST: Milton’s language indicates that Satan is unwilling to be held morally accountable for his actions. Instead, he personifies his choices, which suggests that they are in control rather than him. Satan does not blame himself for being proud; instead, he suggests that “hight” itself would “recall high thoughts”—which indicates that his new prestige (rather than he) would make him proud. Instead of considering the likelihood that he would make and break his own vows, he suggests that “feigned submission,” would swear loyalty, and “ease” would break that oath. Satan never admits that he makes his own choices. He portrays himself as passive, and at the mercy of other influences. Milton thus indirectly highlights one of Satan’s most significant faults: He distances himself from his own sins; he dishonestly shifts the blame rather than acknowledge responsibility. Milton also suggests that genuine contrition is necessary precondition for forgiveness.