This quote really fascinated me as I was reading the text. At first, I had a little bit of trouble trying to determine what it meant completely even after I read the footnote. What I did not understand at first was how fallen angels that never lose their virtue connected to "bad men"who bragged about their supposedly good deeds. After some analysis, this quote makes a little more sense than it used to. To me, fallen angels obviously have had to do good deeds or at least have good souls in order to be called angels. However, as we all know, angels that fall from Grace have been banished from Heaven by God for some act of treason or evil. According to this quote, when angels fall, they maintain possession of some of their previous virtue or power. The text goes on to explain why: if angels did not maintain some of their goodness, then evil people who do "good deeds" (in which case have hidden intentions) could walk about bragging about their supposedly good deeds and label themselves good people.
What struck me as interesting is the enforcement of the idea that good is usually humble. By saying that bad men boast (that's a mouthful) only enhances the original belief that truly good deeds are done out of kindness and humility, whereas evil deeds are done with too much pride and often expect something out of the deal in return. This is usually seen as a common trait that separates Good and Evil.
Also, the idea of balance between Good and Evil is also present in this quote. Because fallen angels that are or were at once potentially good have virtue left, evil men cannot pride themselves on false claims of doing good deeds. There seems to be a distinct line that defines each side of the spectrum. However, it is interesting that though both sides are present, one side whether it be Good or Evil, cannot exist without the other. If there is no Good, how can one define what is Evil and vice versa? We only know what Good is because we know that there is Evil in the world, just like we only know what Evil is because we know the difference between Good and Evil. The presence of both powers is necessary in order for any side to truly exist.
If damned angels did not maintain any virtue of their previous state, then anyone could use any definition of Good or Evil to define themselves as an individual. This quote focuses on the inner intents of people. If someone is doing something that can be seen as a good deed to either receive praise or gain power, then their deed is not truly good. The concept of Good and Evil relies not only on actual acts committed, but on inner intents as well.
The only reason an angel would fall is because of a bad act. Because even angels can fall, demons and evil beings cannot claim to do good and maintain power. In my eyes though, this quote brings out the idea of sinning and forgiveness as well. We fall because we are sinners, but we can go back to God because He is forgiving and He knows that we are not perfect and divine like He is.
Well, this was my first post but I plan on updating it more as I continue thinking about this quote. I'm not claiming to be right, so if anyone wants to add anything or has any comments and/or interpretations, I'm willing to listen and discuss them. I also may not have the "correct interpretation" but this quote brought quite a few thoughts and questions to my mind, so I decided to respond to it. There are few more things in the quote that I am still contemplating.
Out!
-Lauren
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