Hierarchies of Importance in Paradise Lost
Hierarchies of Importance in Paradise Lost A hierarchy is any system of persons or things that are ranked above one another and can be found throughout all natural environments and different aspects of life. Hierarchies provide structure and prevent chaos because there is an overpowering authority at the very top of the chain that makes sure every rank below stays in line. Through the epic poem Paradise Lost, it is apparent that John Milton believed that all of creation was built on the foundation of hierarchies and authoritative power. This idea is emphasized by Milton’s description of the spiritual existence of the universe and incorporation of the natural chain of being where God is placed at the top of both structures. Multiple scenes throughout the poem signify the importance of these hierarchies and allow both Satan and Eve to cause turmoil, only to be followed by complete restoration from the overall power of God and the hierarchy. Paradise Lost demonstrates how hierarchies provide necessary structure and guidance to life by exemplifying how disobedience and deceit can temporarily destabilize the system, only for it to be rebuilt with authority and remain equally as strong. The poem immediately begins with Satan destabilizing the most significant hierarchy in the poem by defying God’s word and ultimately creating the third layer of the universe, Hell. In Book One, we find that God has created a certain order, or hierarchy, of all the creatures he has created. His Son reigns right below him and is followed by all of the cherubs and angels, which includes Satan. Satan begins to question God’s reasoning for not granting him more power and does not understand why he is placed below God’s Son. This leads to Satan’s unfaithfulness to God and religious hierarchies all together because he believes that he should be a superior figure. The greedy serpent becomes “stirred with envy and revenge” (line 35) because he wants to be set apart from his peers,