Day 200 of reading PL
I'm fantasising about getting to read Henry IV now, a bit of fresh air after all this solemnity and awe, a bit of humanity
A commonplace observation but true - PL most compelling when most human. In the person of Satan, obviously, but also the instant A&E fall and start squabbling after shagging in the bush it really becomes much more interesting. The more divine and concordant things are, the more tedious. People who are divided against themselves, in pain, seduced, erring, are the meat on the bone. The pomp of Paradise is as detestably dull and triumphal as Nazi propaganda paintings.
But also to appaud Milton some more, Satan's heroism so seductive but also so false (a falsity even to himself). His understanding of things only in terms of power, condemning him to self servitude...
3 books left! I'll weep tears of joy when it's over, but I'm glad I've read it and thanks be to Luka for inspiring me to.