Differences of Purpose

While I love the similarities in Paradise Lost to ancient epics such as the Odyssey and the Aeneid, as this point I am especially intrigued by the dual protagonists of good and evil. Throughout books one and two we view Satan who is striving to make a way for his people after a great downfall. No one will volunteer to stare into the face of danger and seek out a way but the leader himself - Satan.

Then we see a similar situation in heaven. God is striving to find a way for His people to come again into new life after a downfall. Yet again, the only one who volunteers to stare death in the face for their sake is Jesus - the Son of the highest God.

The Search for a new life after a failure and the theme of the highest being ultimately being the only "rescuer" for his people is echoed in both realms. The difference is that Satan seeks to gain glory for his rebelliousness, while Jesus seeks humility out of love.

I commented on TWhitley's post :)