John Milton an Paradise Lost", develops the Genesis account of man's creation and fall to create both plot and character. His goal is to justify the ways of God to men, he considers some parts to further clarify and address different issues during his time. Consequently, many disparities between the Genesis account and Paradise Lost emerge. One main demon that he describes and which is the main character is Satan.
In Milton's first book of Paradise Lost, Satan, the expected evil beast of the epic, is actually depicted as a powerful and heroic character. Satan's passionate and ambitious character is more intriguing than God's reasonable and mild personality. Milton needs Satan to be a desirable character in the beginning to represent the temptation man faces when dealing with the devil. However Milton, being a strong puritan, would never allow an evil character to become the true hero. Milton did not plan on Satan being viewed as positively as he sometimes is in book one.
Much of the sympathy and praise Satan receives from readers is due to the changed morals of today's society. The ambitious and proud character that Milton created for Satan, is seen as positive in today's society. However when Milton wrote this epic, being ambitious was seen as an act against God. Milton had intentions to make Satan agreeable in the beginning, however he did not intend him to resemble the epic's hero. This view was caused by the change in society's morals and could not have been predicted by Milton. Satan's pompous, stubborn nature towards destroying mankind is introduced as early as Book I. Satan, just banished from the heavenly gates displays his unconquerable will. Although he has just fallen from heaven, he is standing up again and turning away from God. He is telling his arc angels that this isn't so bad, because his pride does not enable himself to accept the defeat he experienced.
Satan is the definition of an aggressive when one looks at the setting as well as more importantly, when one focuses on the heroic poem "Paradise Lost." Satan by being defiant as well as maintaining other protagonist qualities can be considered a hero in "Paradise Lost." Satan also appears heroic because the first two books focus on Hell and the fallen angels. This creature went from a beautiful, perfect being named Lucifer, living in the light and glory of heaven, to Satan, the prince of darkness who was banished to the earth. Essentially, Satan became the representative of all evil who allied with the fallen angels that aided in his revolt against God. Not only is Satan given the most important role in Milton's famous epic, but the author draws upon the psychological states of Satan.
In Paradise Lost, Milton is successful in portraying humanistic features in the character of Satan, thereby enabling readers to identify with him and to see the contrast between good and evil. One of Satan's most prominent characteristics is deception. In Paradise Lost, he manages to make other people believe and furthermore, trust in him. Deception is the most obvious weapon that Satan utilizes to persuade some of the characters in the poem
Already have an account? Log In Now
4018