In the present work I am going to analyze an extract from the first book of Paradise Lost, by John Milton, verses 242-264. The scene is set in Hell when Satan arrive there. From now on Satan starts a speech, reflecting about his condition. He has been proud in front of God therefore he has thrown Satan on the Earth to Hell.

Connotative analysis

The speech opens with a question: Satan wonders if this is the place where he should reign. Immediately he salutes the Hell, defining it a dark places where he can do what he wants. He underlines that it is not important the place but it is important to reign. Now he fells himself more important. In Heaven he was God’s servant, now he his the leader of the Hell: He prefers to be a king in Hell that a servant in Heaven.

Danotative analysis

Satan starts his speech defining the new place like a region. He is impressed by the squalor of the region. John Milton identifies Satan like a "lost Arch Angel", putting into evidence the loss of the best part of his nature. Satan is proud and he wanted to have more power than God. Satan is disguised by the idea of being servant. He underlines the differences between Heaven (celestial light) and Hell (mournful gloom). He envies the "Sovran" and he doesn't accept God's order. The only difference between Satan and God is the power: as regards the reason Satan and God are equal. Although Hell is hot, horrible, bad, dark and sick place Satan prefers to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.