1. Satan's descent into the Garden of Eden:
> "As when a Gryphon through the Wilderness
> With winged speed A Dragon fierce pursues,
> In a straight line, or draws a circle round
> With Serpent tail, pursues the flying prey;
> So did the Devil in the vast Expanse
> Drive on his furious and unhallowed way." (Lines 195-200)
This simile compares Satan's relentless pursuit of Eden to a Gryphon chasing a dragon. The imagery highlights Satan's fierce determination and predatory nature.
2. Satan's disguise as a serpent:
> "He, with his horrid shape,
> His eyes like burning coal; and his breath
> Like heat of scorched and lifeless wastes;
> His tail like that of a Serpent rolled
> In twine and knots; his wings like sails
> A black ship under sailing storm." (Lines 290-295)
This simile compares Satan's monstrous form to that of a serpent. This is a key moment, as Satan takes on this form to tempt Eve.
3. Satan's transformation:
> "As the Moon,
> Whose orb through optic glass the Surveyor
> Views with astonished eye, a cloudy spot;
> So did the Devil hover in the Air" (Lines 296-298)
This simile compares Satan's form to a cloudy spot on the moon observed through a telescope. This highlights the deceptive nature of Satan's appearance, as he seems mundane at first glance.
4. Satan's speech:
> "As when a ship,
> By skilful steersman on a wave-tossed sea
> Cleaving in sunder with her sharp prow
> The rolling billows, and divides the flood,
> Then with a dashing wave her sides she smote" (Lines 331-335)
This simile compares Satan's eloquent speech to a ship cutting through waves. This emphasizes the power and force of his words, even as he is deceitful.
5. Satan's cunning:
> "As when a crow
> Seen from afar in the bright sunshine flies,
> With painted wings and glittering scales,
> His darkened body shines with golden rays
> Of a false glory, from the bright sunbeams" (Lines 341-345)
This simile compares Satan's deceptive appearance to a crow gleaming in the sunlight. The comparison highlights the way in which Satan uses false appearances to mask his true nature.
These are just a few examples of the many similes used in Paradise Lost, Book 4. They contribute to the epic poem's vivid imagery and help to illuminate the complex characters and themes of the work.