"Less Than Archangel Ruined"
Last Updated on May 9, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 123
Context: Shortly after their plunge into Hell, having been ousted from Heaven, the rebel angels stand in ranks before Satan, ready to hear their chief. Milton says they still appear great as gods, a mightier assembly than the Greeks and Trojans who fought at Troy, mightier than Charlemagne's great knights, mightier than the heroes of Arthurian romance. Before the fallen angels stands Satan, still much like the archangel he was in Heaven, though his face is worn with care and scarred with thunderbolts. He still stands straight and proud. As Milton writes:
Download Paradise Lost Study Guide
. . . he above the rest
In shape and gesture proudly eminent
Stood like a tower; his form had not yet lost
All her original brightness, nor appeared
Less than archangel ruined, and the excess
Of glory obscured . . .
Unlock This Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now.
- 30,000+ book summaries
- 20% study tools discount
- Ad-free content
- PDF downloads
- 300,000+ answers
- 5-star customer support
Already a member? Log in here.
