Paradise Lost Book 4

I can understand why so many critics have been fascinated with Satan. In Book 4, the reader can understand his motives and why he is the way he is. He hates the sun since it causes him to remember “from what state [he] fell” (lines 38-39). His pride and his ambition caused him to fall from the presence of God. He is disappointed he has lost his position, but he is unwilling to submit to the God’s will: the very thought fills him disdain and “dread of shame” (line 82). I’ve been thinking a lot about how Satan is free because he does not have to answer to anyone, yet he is unable to progress or achieve the greatness he once had. His situation reminds me of Agent Smith in the first Matrix. Smith hates his existence and continually fighting with humanity, but continues in this state of misery because there seems to be no alternative. Satan’s existence does not give him any pleasure or joy, but he continues because he feels he has no alternative—he will not submit to another’s will. Satan enjoys the freedom his existence allows him to have, but without the possibility of happiness is this a profitable existence?