The Crucible Book 4 Analysis

Satan’s soliloquy in Book 4 develops his character through self-reflection, elucidating his many complex characteristics and emotions. While Satan is portrayed as a rather humane protagonist thus far, his motives, beliefs, and fears are not explained and thus, only allowed for a one-dimensional interpretation. During Satan’s soliloquy in Book 4, however, he finally reflects upon himself, revealing his motives, fears, and doubts and thus, enriching his character. While Satan’s humane emotions were demonstrated earlier in the narrative, his soliloquy further explicates the complexity of his thoughts. Throughout the first few books, Satan does not demonstrate any vulnerabilities. He is glorified as an obstinate and prideful Spirit who surpasses all others in Hell and who knows exactly what he yearns. Though Satan’s abilities are of no question, this one-sided view of Satan – that he is a competent and powerful devil – appears lacking; therefore, the demonstration of Satan’s vulnerability in his soliloquy is a progression in his character development. Satan finally senses “horror and doubt,” and is drenched in grief by his “remembrance from what state [he] fell” (4:17, 38-39). This is the first time Satan is described to have self-doubt, and specifically, in
Through his self-reflection, Satan realizes he had forgotten to be grateful and was mindlessly ambitious, finally taking responsibility for his own actions. Contrary to Satan’s initial blaming of fate and ignorance, Satan’s new critical thinking and self-examination presents him in a more logical light, demonstrating further complexity in his character.
Satan’s soliloquy in Book 4 is ultimately a self-reflection that allowed for further character development through the demonstration of Satan’s internal struggle and complexity of