Devil\'s Advocate Seeks to Demonstrate

Devil's Advocate seeks to demonstrate how individuals' lives are determined not by outside forces, but rather free will. In the story, the devil, known as John Milton, tests Kevin Lomax's free will. The story frequently references Paradise Lost, which was coincidentally written by John Milton, and describes Satan's fall and how he tempted man. The story is full of symbolism, much of which relates to the Bible and the battle between good and evil.

It is evident from the start that Lomax often advocates for evil. This is demonstrated through his impeccable law record in which people that are clearly guilty have been found to be innocent. His ability to "tempt" people, so to speak, has allowed his many clients to be found innocent because Lomax has been able to convince juries that his clients did no wrong. This devilish trait is highlighted symbolically through Lomax's snakeskin boots. Biblically, the snake or serpent is representative of Satan. In the Bible, a serpent is said to have tempted Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Much like this serpent, Lomax tempts the jury into believing that defendant that he represents is innocent. Additionally, New York City can be seen to be like Babylon; in the Bible Babylon was once a great city, united by a common language and the goal to make the city the epicenter of the world (King James Bible, Gen. 11.1-9). However, God was unhappy with this and he decided to scatter the inhabitants all over the world and confuse their language. The confusion of language can also be seen in Milton as he is able to speak multiple languages, which symbolizes the fact that his presence is everywhere and that the confusing of languages did not affect him (the Devil's Advocate). Additionally, Milton's influence can be seen in his employees as it is revealed that many of them are possessed by demons or demonic forces. This hints at the fact that they have given themselves to Satan and that they are agents of evil; while not all those with demonic faces, such as Jackie Heath, work for Milton at his law firm, they are still working in his favor (the Devil's Advocate).

Symbolism can also be seen in the names of characters such as Lomax, Mary Ann, and John Milton. Lomax can be interpreted to mean the highest of the low and possibly hints at his place within Satan's hierarchy as he is Satan's son. Mary Ann's name, on the other hand, seems to allude to Mary the mother of Jesus or Mary Magdalene; by naming the character Mary, the author insinuates that she is innocent in the entire affair. Most importantly is John Milton. This is clearly a reference to the author of Paradise Lost. The epic poem seeks to "justify the ways of God to men" by analyzing how Adam and Eve were tempted and why they were expelled from the Garden of Eden (Milton 1.26). Moreover, the epic poem also makes an argument for free will, a concept that Milton, the character, exploits.

One of the central themes within the story is that everything is a test. This sets up the argument that there are several conflicts that arise within the story. Not only is Lomax in constant competition with others at his law firm and among his field, but he soon finds himself at odds with himself. Additionally, it can be argued that Lomax finds himself at odds against nature, in this case his true nature as the son of Satan. Milton continuously comments that he does not control people, but rather that people have free will to act as they wish; due to this concept, it can be argued that there is no conflict between man and supernatural powers, but only between man and himself.