Paradise Lost: Book II

The Social Hierarchy of Hell

Satan begins the consultation asking the fallen angels whether or not they want to wage war against Heaven. He claims that there will be no power struggles in Hell as there were in Heaven when he says, "for none sure will claim in Hell/Precedence, none, whose portion is so small/Of present pain, that with ambitious mind/Will covet more." (32-35) However, this runs contrary to the structure that is already established in Hell. Satan is the ruler of the angels in Hell, just as he was in Heaven. When Beelzebub begins to Speak, Milton introduces him, "Which when Beelzebub perceiv'd, then whom,/Satan except, none higher sat," (299-300). The other angels recognize Satan’s dominance even though he claims that everyone is equal in Hell. The characterization of Beelzebub as Satan's second in command is foreboding considering that Satan was God's second and tried to unseat Him. 

Should there be war? 

Opinions of the fallen angels 

Moloc advocates for war right of bat when he tells the angels that nothing could be worse than their current situation, "if there be in Hell/Fear to be worse destroy'd: what can be worse/Then to dwell here," (84-86). In essence, Moloc says, Why not? We might as well give it a shot. It can't get any worse! Further in his speech Moloc introduces the idea of revenge. Moloc acknowledges the difficulty they will face if they try to unseat God altogether, so he sets the bar a little lower. If they can just annoy God, vex Him, they will fulfill their revenge. Moloc says, "we feel/Our power sufficient to disturb his Heav'n,/And with perpetual inrodes to Allarme,/Though inaccessible, his fatal Throne:/Which if not Victory is yet Revenge." (101-105). Moloc desires war to uphold his pride for he believes God was unjust and desires to seek revenge. He gives the angels his reasons why he wants war and the angels 

Belial's opinion is somewhat ambivalent. At first he seems to want war, but he considers God's wrath and ultimately decides against war. Belial is characterized as having a "perswasive accent" (118) and a "graceful and humane" (109) demeanor. He expresses his desire for war when he says, "we must exasperate/Th' Almighty Victor to spend all his rage," (143-44). Belial agrees with Moloc's theory of vengeance by means of irritation. Soon, however, Belial begins to worry about how God might react to the fallen angels and reveals his fear, "What if the breath that kindl'd those grim fires/Awak'd should blow them into sevenfold rage/And plunge us in the flames? " (170-172) Belial concludes his speech by expressing a wish for peace. However, his desire to abstain from war is attributed to his slothful nature. Simply because peace is less effort, Belial prefers it,  "Thus Belial with words cloath'd in reasons garb/Counsell'd ignoble ease, and peaceful sloath," (226-227). While his arguments concerning God's mighty wrath were valid, Belial advocates peace for the sake of comfort.

Mammon thinks along the lines of the age old George Herbert quote, "Living well is the best revenge." The fallen angel realizes any attempt to thwart God will not only be a failure but anticipated by Heaven's guards. Mammon says, "Let us not then pursue/By force impossible," (249-250) "but rather seek/Our own good from our selves, and from our own/Live to our selves," (252-254). He wants to make the best of a bad situation and prevent the angels from meeting further harm and misery. Mammon even suggests making Hell the image of Heaven, "As he our darkness, cannot we his Light/Imitate when we please?" (269-270). Mammon is applauded and it seems the angels all agree with his argument but from the summary preceding the text of Book II the reader knows war follows the consultation. How does Satan convince the angels?