Satan in Paradise Lost
John Milton's epic work, Paradise Lost placed this remarkable 17th-century poet from England alongside Shakespeare, Homer, Virgil and Dante in world literature. A key character in the poem, Satan, failed in his revolt against Heaven's tyranny, which ended in him being thrown into the pits of Hell, and mankind's fall. Satan's numerous compelling traits make him an interesting character in the eyes of readers and literary critics. William Blake, P. B. Shelley William Hazlitt, and other pro-Satanists support him and consider him a grand hero. They underscore his defiance, pride, and nerve. Shelley feels he is quite different from evil's popular personification (Yang 31). Hence, this paper will examine the Miltonic Satan's attributes and how far they correspond to a hero's characteristics.
Discussion
Milton's Satan is a real, rather than superficial, hero. The image the poet creates is Satan's own creation, to some extent. It constitutes an element of a hero's enthusiasm towards self-definition. Being a ploy of fallen intelligence, the image vacillates between unconscious and conscious fantasy. Partially, at least, Satan's image as hero may be deemed as conscious pretense. Just like the disguises he later adopts (a cherub, a toad, a serpent, and a cormorant), this illusion is also purposely promoted by the originator of deceit. Further, Satan, himself, partially knows of his deception. Through certain conditions, customary to literary theory and epic poetry, awarding Satan heroic distinction appears eminently acceptable (Steadman 254-255).
The psychology...
459). Such an encounter is the mainstay of Book 9 since both Eve and Adam are chastened by God and are forced to reason with Him in order to confess to their sin and accept the punishment required in order to 'multiply and replenish' the earth as they had been commanded. They knew the reason behind such a commandment, and they also knew that in the long run, what
Paradise Lost, Book I Analysis Use of Imagery in Paradise Lost -- Book I Paradise Lost offers an introduction to the story of original sin. Milton uses powerful imagery and allegory to relay the Biblical account of the fall of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis and forfeiture of the Garden of Eden. The story of good and evil is presented in a unique and interesting narrative form. In Book
332-333, 336-337). The fallen angels' response to Satan's call is the final confirmation of his character, because it demonstrates how he is able to maintain the respect and interest of his followers even though it appears as if they have been stripped of everything. In this sense, Satan is a kind of idealized revolutionary leader, outmatched by the "Almighty" but unwilling to give up, all the while maintaining the respect
And so, Kenton goes on, given this schism between East and West, it is his theory that the schism was perhaps symbolized through the interactions between God and the Devil. The freedom of the individual to find his way to God "through Scripture...coincided with Milton's commitment to symbolically unify East and West as proof of the regeneration," Kenton wrote (p. 17). Indeed, Milton's Christian background "necessitates" the need for
Heroic Qualities of the Son of God and Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost John Milton's Paradise Lost presents us with complex images of the hero. We have come to understand the epic hero being portrayed as a person of historical significance possessing courage and strength and usually placed in a grand setting. Heroic actions and characteristics are present in the Son of God and Satan and this paper will examine
Moreau's Creations Moreau's Monstrous Creations Moreau vividly describes the monsters in Paradise Lost. Although at times difficult to decipher with the heavy use of prose, the descriptions for the discerning reader render images that are both disturbing and realistic in the terminology used. Many describe the creatures as human animals because of Moreau's intent to transform the islands animals into humans because of his regard for humanity. The question that seems to
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now