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AP English 12
TEACHER
Period 2
7 December 2016
Paradise Lost: Downfall and Corruption
In Paradise Lost, the character Lucifer takes on many different physical forms to
symbolize his spiritual de-evolution and corruption. Originally the most beautiful angel to
serve under God, he became envious of the Son whom God decreed would rule
alongside him and be in charge of the angels. Lucifer soons rebels against God and
after his fall from Heaven, becomes a devil called Satan. His appearance and name are
changed to fit this significant event. Now as Satan, he sneaks into Eden by transforming
into a cherub and deceiving Uriel. He is caught when his anger and hatred are shown
on his face. His emotions are so strong, it distorts his image. In Eden, he turns into
various animals to disguise his true form. The animal forms that Satan takes on and
their symbolism signify his becoming personality and being. First, he perches on the
Tree of Life as a marine sea bird, the cormorant. This bird symbolizes nobility and
indulgence, along with greed and deception. Its black appearance also implies
darkness. Satan then turns into a lion, followed by a tiger to spy on Adam and Eve. The
lion, a predator and regarded as king of the jungle, represents power and strength.
The tiger, also a predator, signifies cruelty and wrath, as well as destruction and
violence. While Eve is sleeping, Satan transforms into a toad and whispers seducing
thoughts. The toad is regarded as a sign of the devil because it is associated with

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witchcraft. Lastly, Satan becomes a serpent to trick and corrupt mankind. Serpents are
predators that lie low to the earthly ground and are cold-blooded animals. Through his
numerous transformations, Lucifer physically shows the degradation within his soul.