¶ … 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 the similarities and differences between each character.
The Son of God can easily be seen as the hero of Paradise Lost because he is good. He sits with God in Heaven and because he is the Son, his actions (as well as his person) are perfect. For instance, Milton tells us that the Son is "most glorious... And in his face/Divine compassion visibly appeared,/Love without end, and without measure grace" (III.139-42). God says that the Son is his word, wisdom, and effectual might (III.171).
The Son of God is obedient to his father, follows the commands of God with a good attitude, and he is meek, kind, and humble. Because of his ultimate nature, it is difficult to understand the extent of his goodness and selflessness; however, it is this complexity that also contributes to his heroic quality. In addition, the Son of God remains heroic because he does not change. His character and heart never falter. This instills in the reader a sense of respect and admiration.
For example, The heroic actions of the Son of God can first be seen when he offers his life for that of man. When no ones else in Heaven volunteers, "all the Heavenly Quire stood mute" (III.217). Milton describes the Son of God as one "in whom the fulness dwells of love divine" (III.224-5). He is a hero because he steps forth when no one else does. The Son says:
Behold me, then:...
This is obviously an escape in her dream from the societal norms and from the strict rules that are imposed in the garden and that govern her existence, as well as her role in this environment. Being able to escape them, even with help from Satan, is possible in Eve's dream. Eve's road towards independence grows with each book in "Paradise Lost," some pointing out to the way her autonomy becomes
Characterizations of Satan in Paradise Lost The character of Satan is a prominent figure in "Paradise Lost." In fact, it is arguable that without this character, there would be no poem and there would be no myth of the fall of humanity and the war in heaven. The paper will focus upon this character's significance and role in the overall narrative. The paper will reference Books 1, 2, and 4 as
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.
Paradise Lost John Milton's Paradise Lost tells the story of Heaven and Hell both before and after Adam and Eve fell from grace. At the center of Milton epic poem is the story of the character of Satan, a being who has been sent to the underworld to live in agony forever after trying and failing to take over the control of Heaven from God. Satan will spend the rest of
Paradise Lost The poem by John Milton is written in the style of literary epics; it starts not the beginning but in the middle of the story. Still, right away the reader knows that there is a war between good and evil, between Satan and Heaven (or God Himself), and that Satan was an Angel before he fell into disfavor with God. Since Satan had been an angel, in the reader's
Paradise Lost In John Milton's Paradise Lost, Milton tells of Satan's banishment from Heaven. The entire event is first relegated to a handful of verses from the Christian bible book of Isaiah, and apocalyptic imagery from the books of Revelation. Milton applied his poetic license to the setting, characters, and motives in order to expand the setting and give his readers a humanized perspective of these events. Through the tapestry of his
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