Character of Satan in Paradise Lost Book I – A Critical Analysis by John Milton
Q. Examine the character of Satan as
presented in Book I of Paradise Lost.
Answer: John Milton's great epic poem Paradise Lost is one of the most read works of English Literature.
This poetry is based on epic poetry, religious literature, classical epic
tradition and biblical themes.
The character of Satan presented in Paradise
Lost (Book I) is an important subject of literary criticism. Topics like Character of Satan in Paradise Lost,
Milton’s Satan, Epic Hero in Paradise Lost and Paradise Lost critical analysis hold special importance in
university examinations and academic research.
Book I depicts Satan as a powerful orator, courageous leader, and rebellious
character, making him the most popular character in English epic poetry. This
is why the character study of Satan in Paradise
Lost Book I analysis is considered extremely useful and important for the
students of literature.
Let’s discuss Satan's Character Study in Paradise Lost (Book I)
The character of Satan is presented very effectively in Book I of John
Milton's famous epic poem Paradise Lost.
In this book, Satan is shown as a defeated but courageous character. He is not
completely broken even after being cast out of heaven. His personality raises
many questions in the mind of the reader. At times he is merely evil, at times
he even seems like a brave hero.
At the beginning of Book I,
Satan is shown lying in hell. He has been thrown from heaven for rebelling
against God. Yet he does not fully accept his fall. He is saddened to see his
fellow fallen angels. Despite this he does not get disappointed. His first
characteristic is his indomitable courage. Even after such a big defeat, he is
not ready to accept defeat.
Satan's self-confidence is the main quality of his character. He
believes that no one can take away his will and intelligence. He says that even
though his location has changed (from Heaven to hell), his mind is still free.
This idea makes him a powerful speaker. He also energizes other fallen angels
with his words.
In Book I Satan is shown as a
great orator. His speech is very impressive. He reminds his companions that
they were once powerful in heaven. He also assures them that they can create
their own power even while living in hell. Pride and rebellion are clearly
visible in his words.
Satan's arrogance is another major aspect of his character. He does not
accept the supreme authority of God. He believes that God has achieved victory
through the use of force, not justice. For this reason he does not consider
himself wrong. His famous statement that “It is better to rule in hell than
serve in heaven,” makes his arrogance clear.
Although Satan is courageous and self-confident, there is still
suffering hidden within him. His grief is hinted at in several places in Book
I. He knows that what he has lost cannot be regained. The beauty of heaven
comes to his mind again and again. This makes him sad from within, but he does
not let this sadness become weakness.
Satan is also presented as a skilled leader. He organizes his comrades.
He tries to bring them out of despair. His leadership is based on power and
cleverness. He knows that without unity they can do nothing.
The character of Satan in Book I
of Paradise Lost does not appear to
be entirely evil. Milton has filled it with human emotions. He has qualities
like courage, leadership, sadness and self-respect. For this reason the reader
sometimes feels sympathy towards him.
Therefore, it can be said that Satan in Book I of Paradise Lost
is a complex and multifaceted character. He is rebellious, arrogant, but also
courageous and influential. Milton has not only made him a villain, but has
created a character who forces the reader to think. This is the biggest
characteristic of Satan's character.
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