After God created the Earth and humanity, all was well in the Sacred Realm. Until a friend, bringer of light, the morning star falls in battle and ultimately into darkness. This fateful battle made everything we know and experience come true today. Milton and Dante play on each concept in two very different ways, for Milton a cunning reflection of man and for Dante an animal dunce. Milton and Dante use biblical stories as the backdrop for their epic poems of love and loss in which a single, unique, light-bringing character is made to resonate with humanity and the supreme fundamental darkness that is soul of man. key elements regarding his appearance, his domain and the influence of Lucifer. Since the dawn of time, man has had to make snap judgments. The main point of all judgment is appearance and therefore this is the most logical starting point. Appearance plays a fairly crucial role in the works that are the subject of this essay. First, in Paradise Lost it is worth noting that a recurring theme: "it is better to reign in hell than to be a servant in heaven" (Milton.I.263) makes some important points regarding aspects of Satan's neosis , but even more the appearance of Satan. The line itself makes it seem like he experienced both dominations in the physical realm and can lead us further to the pathogenesis and origins of this fallen angel. However Milton gives us a contrasting vision of the Devil compared to Dante. “It stood like a tower; its form is not yet lost. All its original luminosity, no less than an archangel, appeared ruined and the excess of glory obscured. (Milton.I.591-599) This description leads to the very greatness of Lucifer. Dante takes us completely to the Devil, a ...... middle of paper ......s Online - Harvard Theological Review - Summary - The social history of Satan, the “intimate enemy”: a preliminary sketch . Harvard Theological Review, 1991. Web. March 21, 2014. This document gives a history of the image of Satan and a light anthology of him. This text will play a determining role in the metaphysical discernment of this essay. Shmoop editorial team. "Hell." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. March 20, 2014. This source will provide a great wealth of knowledge and authority for this essay. They provide an excellent overview of Dante's masterpiece. Shmoop editorial team. “Paradise lost”. Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. March 21, 2014. This source provides a lot of content and especially a look at Satan. This in-depth review makes sorting out the details much easier. The given schedule will be of great help.