1. This passage begins with a description of how Satan appears now that his minions have joined his side for the rebellion. He stands above them “like a tower” as “their dread commander." Though Milton paints a brooding picture of Satan, he points out that his form has "yet not lost all her original brightness." Milton compares Satan to an eclipse, or when the sun is behind the clouds. Satan has not been completely darkened, but he still shines above the other fallen angels. (599-600) Satan's face shows the scars of battle, but while he appears worn, he waits for revenge with “dauntless courage” and “considerate pride” (603-604). At the same time, Satan feels responsible for the millions of followers who left their blissful states to stand faithful to him and live in a state of pain.  Yet, he finds they have done so because they are faithful to him; much like trees that have succumbed to the fires of heaven, though their glory is withered they still stand tall.

2. This passage is important in understanding the power that Satan obtains, and foreshadows how he will use his power later in Paradise Lost. We learn earlier in Book I that Satan is of “monstrous size” (197) and stretches out “huge in length” (209). He has an obvious physical stature but no clear superiority over the other fallen angels. Now with his minions at his side, he has the physical strength and commanding power that he needs to lead a rebellion. Milton calls him "their dread commander" creating the idea that Satan is a military commander leading his troops to battle.  It is also important because we see that Satan is capable of feeling empathy.  While he may harbor ill will towards God and assert himself as an intimidating force, the signs of "remorse" (604) and "passion" (604) he feels towards his followers is surprisingly human. 

     This passage is also important in understanding Satan because the reader begins to form an opinion about who Satan is. In the beginning of Book I the reader may feel bad for Satan for being condemned to hell for eternity, but lines 587-615 show Satan as being the mastermind to an evil plan. The reader may quickly lose sympathy for Satan and now see him as the "bad guy."  Likewise, it is also possible the reader may grow a newfound respect for Satan.  This passage to showcases that he is indeed a proactive character.  Rather than grovel, or simply continue to muse on his state, Satan has taken on the ultimate task of challenging the Divine.  

3. It is important to note Milton's decision to use the word "faithful" in line 611.  The OED defines the word faithful as: "Firm in fidelity or allegiance to a person to whom one is bound by any tie." Satan's minions are bound to him because they have decided to follow him in the rebellion. Milton could have easily decided to write that the minions are "bound by a tie" to Satan, but he chooses to use the word "faithful" which has religious connotations. "Faithful" is also defined by the OED as "the believing members of a church."  It shows that the minions look up to Satan as if he is their "god."  They have not only chosen to be bound to him, but they look to him, with glory, as their godly leader. Milton also incorporates the use of the word "perplexes" in line 599.  His choice is interesting because while it serves an obvious purpose, it appears to be largely metaphorical for the predicament Satan and his minions find themselves in.  

 4. How is Milton’s use of light and dark important for understanding the type of character Satan is?

     Satan is often referred to as a sympathetic character in Paradise Lost.  In what ways does this passage both support and refute this implication?