William Blake's Painting "Binding Satan Thesis

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One of his greatest successes was the fall of mankind through Adam and Eve's first sin. The fall of mankind corrupted the natural world, including human nature, which then caused people to be born into sin. This is the cause of our pain, hatred, deaths, and suffering. The fall of Satan represents one of the most profound changes in human existence. Yet, in Blake's painting, he is being restrained by the Arch Angel Michael; therefore giving humanity hope of once again reaching to God's grace. Michael binds him in chains as a way to keep him out of heaven and away from God. This is a tireless struggle, as seen in the action conveyed in Blake's painting. With this action, Michael is also protecting the human race from some of Satan's vices. Thus, Michael, who is also the angel of death, comes to represent mankind's guardian...

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Although only chained and not dead, Satan is subdued. This gives temporary relief to heaven and earth, along with representing the idea that God and his companions will always be there for mankind in their own struggle against the temptation and evil which arises out of the image and figure of Satan himself.
This painting represents the ongoing struggle between good and evil, with our lives and souls at stake. Yes, within this painting Satan is defeated -- chained from his former place next to God in heaven. However, Michael does not kill Satan, but only banish him. This leaves open future possibilities of danger and temptation caused by Satan. Yet, the painting does represent some peace in that Satan has been banished from God, making heaven a more holy and perfect place.

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