Before: This quote brings to light one of the most interesting and commonly occurring aspects of the deliberation about this text: the lack of a consensus on the morality and justification of the characters and their actions. Many people throughout the years have defended the actions of Satan in his rebellion against God in an understanding of the desire for autonomy and self-rule that has become so prevalent politically in the past few centuries.
After: This quote brings up a very common aspect of the debate about Paradise Lost: The lack of agreement on the righteousness of the characters and their actions. Many people have defended Satan's actions because they understand his desire for control, and control has become very prevalent politically in the past few centuries.