atan loved himself, not realizing that he, himself, was a part of creation . As a result of this excessive love that was not directed towards God, they would fall. However, it is Adam who is able to recognize his sin of disproportionate love of Eve that caused his fall, and bring about a desire in him to seek repentance, "humbly thir faults, and pardon begged with tears". What is it that makes Adam & Eve almost "heroic" from Milton’s perspective, and why not Satan? It is man’s ability to admit their sin against God as being wrong, and their willingness to take responsibility for their actions. Although they must now live outside of Paradise, face a life of hard work and suffering, and finally "to dust thou shalt return", they do not walk away from God, but instead look forward to the promise given to them that "her Seed should be revenged on the Serpent". Satan, however, returns to Hell, after having completed his aim at causing the Fall of Man, with an air of arrogant triumph. However, he is soon brought to realize that despite all his best laid plans, "reluctant, but in vain, a greater power now ruled him, punished him in the shape he sinned", and so, ultimately damns himself. ...
