Theme of Exile in Paradise Lost Essay Example

Exile is a dreadful experience: being pushed from a place where you once belonged. To most, being exiled is a punishment; however, some may view exile as an opportunity to have the freedom of will and agency. Perception of exile is at the heart of Paradise Lost. Satan, and Adam and Eve all learned to perceive their exile as an opportunity for growth. 

Unlike the fallen angels around him who opposed their exile in Hell, Satan sees his banishment as an opportunity to start something new. Even though Hell is a horrible place, Satan explains how “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell from Heaven” (I.254-255). Satan realizes he is the architect of his design by the power of his thinking; thinking is a freedom that is beyond G-d’s control. Satan illustrates his perception of being in Hell further as he declares that it is “Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven” (I.263). Even if Heaven is the best place to serve, Satan believes in having the power over his thinking, and therefore his agency; thus, one has power. Whether it was G-d’s intention or not, this was an opportunity for Satan to be the ruler he has always wanted to be.

Similarly, Adam and Eve learn to view their exile from Eden as an opportunity to express their freedom of will and expand their knowledge. After being tempted by Lucifer to consume the fruit, Eve gives in and initiates the Fall of mankind. From a different perspective, we would see that the Fall was not a fall as it was actually a "happy fault." As Adam and Eve leave Eden, Michael explains that they may leave “this Paradise, but shalt possess/ A paradise within thee, happier far” (XII, 583-587). Even though Adam and Eve have fallen from grace and must leave Paradise, they can still lead a fruitful life. They now have the opportunity to develop their patience, free will, and virtue so that ultimately the Fall produces a greater good than what would have happened otherwise. 

The Roman poet Ovid once said, “Only the mind cannot be sent into exile.” As Milton emphasizes throughout his poem, the will of our minds cannot be controlled by others, not even superior beings: our curiosity, drive, and ambitions remain. Since our mindset decides how we will react to difficult situations such as exile, whether we succumb or find opportunities for success, it will determine our fate.