Characteristics Of Satan In Paradise Lost - 906 Words

Epic tradition has existed long throughout the history of literature, built around the concept of the hero—the protagonist whose talents and admirable characteristics propel them to conquer an impossible task. In the case of John Milton’s Paradise Lost, Satan exists as the protagonists of Milton’s epic, seeking revenge on God for punishing him to the depths of hell for leading a revolt against heaven. However, although Satan’s actions are villainous and sinful, his tale follows that of the traditional epic hero. Satan fits the characteristics of the epic hero through his illustrious status among his fallen angels and his immense hubris, leading to a plot to corrupt mankind and seek revenge against God. The epic hero, as seen in Satan,†¦show more content†¦By recreating his fallen army in such a fashion, Satan shows great characteristics beyond those of others. Satan’s inherent traits and status allows him to gain notoriety among his fellow damned beings as well as the humility that is characteristic of an epic hero. As satan accepts to solely execute Beà «lzebub’s plot to corrupt mankind, his followers â€Å"express how much they [praise]† (2, 480) his valiant proposal. They bow to him with â€Å"awful reverence† (2, 478), seeing him as a God. This sacrifice of himself to support the greater good of his comrades leads to Satan’s humility. Even if only to keep â€Å"others among the chief [Satan]† (2, 469) from offering, he offers himself nonetheless, without regard to his â€Å"general safety† (2, 481); he sacrifices himself for â€Å"their species deeds of earth† (2, 484). Satan gives up his own security to benefit his followers for the sake of their cause. The task set before Satan that warranted him much praise among his followers as well as the war that lead him to reside in Hell further characterizes Satan as an epic hero. The epic hero must prove himself in battle, and Satan demonstrates this trait after inciting an â€Å"impious war in heaven† (1, 43) and leaving â€Å"not inglourious† (1, 624) even after losing. Satan shows gallancy in war even when suffering a brutal loss. The epic hero must also lead a venture, as Satan does when planning to go beyond â€Å"the gates of Hell† (2, 631). He must venture past the barrier in order toShow MoreRelatedCharacteristics Of Satan In Paradise Lost1029 Words   |  5 PagesMilton’s Paradise Lost is a classic epic poem that describes the fall of Satan and the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. Throughout the poem, Milton portrays Satan in a way that makes him tragically attractive to humans. Satan appears to be the protagonist of Paradise Lost and has sever al traits in which readers can identify with. Not only is Satan a tragic hero in the literature, but also he is also the main character in the plot and portrays many flawed human qualities. Because Satan is a fallenRead MoreSatan As A Hero And A Villain916 Words   |  4 PagesSatan as a Hero and a Villain (Analysis of Satan in John Milton’s Paradise Lost) John Milton created Paradise Lost out of twelve books of well constructed poetry. A poem depicting and going into detail of the story of Adam and Eve, man’s creation and fall. The poem focuses on the actions of one particular character, Satan. Milton introduces his readers to Satan in Book I as a hero, trying to get revenge against God for throwing him out of Heaven, being banished to Hell. But as Satan carries on withRead MoreIs Satan A Hero Or Villain?1258 Words   |  6 PagesIs Satan a Hero or a Villain? An Analysis of Milton’s Paradise Lost The heroic qualities of Satan in John Milton’s Paradise Lost are overwhelmingly masked by his ‘satanic’ and villainous acts which qualify his character to fall into a category of villain rather than hero. 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