Perhaps one of the most infamous quotes regarding John Milton’s Paradise Lost is that given by William Blake stating that Milton was of the devil’s party without knowing it. To specify, Satan’s character in Paradise Lost does indeed present itself as a persona with whom the reader is able to sympathise almost immediately from the beginning of the poem. Especially in Books I and II, as we are introduced to an ambitious character who overcomes his own weaknesses in order to accomplish his purposes. Because of this, Milton’s Satan is seen by many as a hero.
To begin with, the idea that Satan’s character is presented as a hero by the author of Paradise Lost has been the topic of debate among literary critics as well as readers for centuries. …show more content…
Nothing can exceed the energy and magnificence of the character of Satan as expressed in Paradise Lost. It is a mistake to suppose that he could ever have been intended for the popular personification of evil. Implacable hate, patient cunning, and a sleepless refinement of device to inflict the extremest anguish on an enemy, these things are evil; and, although venial in a slave, are not to be forgiven in a tyrant; although redeemed by much that ennobles his defeat in one subdued, are marked by all that dishonors his conquest in the victor. Milton's Devil as a moral being is as far superior to his God, as one who perseveres in some purpose which he has conceived to be excellent in spite of adversity and torture is to one who in the cold security of undoubted triumph inflicts the most horrible revenge upon his enemy, not from any mistaken notion of inducing him to repent of a perseverance in enmity, but with the alleged design of exasperating him to deserve new torments. Milton has so far violated the popular creed (if this shall be judged to be a violation) as to have alleged no superiority of moral virtue to his God over his …show more content…
Because of this he was soon considered to be the leader of an ingenious rebellion in search for freedom. Many critics further depicted their positive opinions on the rebellious angel by linking his own struggles the suffering of mankind and the hardships they go through in order to obtain their own freedom, as well as the determination necessary to do so.
However, other aspects regarding this remarkable character should also be taken into consideration. To begin with, the degrading of Satan’s character in the poem as it develops is clear sign of his weakness against God’s omnipotence. Therefore, Paradise Lost cannot be seen only as a defence of Satan or a proclamation of heroism more than it should be observed as an affirmation of God’s power in the face of Evil. However, Milton’s strategy in order to depict God’s power is by focusing mainly on Satan’s portrayal. The former personification of Evil is, contrary to its purpose, attractive for the
To begin with, the idea that Satan’s character is presented as a hero by the author of Paradise Lost has been the topic of debate among literary critics as well as readers for centuries. …show more content…
Nothing can exceed the energy and magnificence of the character of Satan as expressed in Paradise Lost. It is a mistake to suppose that he could ever have been intended for the popular personification of evil. Implacable hate, patient cunning, and a sleepless refinement of device to inflict the extremest anguish on an enemy, these things are evil; and, although venial in a slave, are not to be forgiven in a tyrant; although redeemed by much that ennobles his defeat in one subdued, are marked by all that dishonors his conquest in the victor. Milton's Devil as a moral being is as far superior to his God, as one who perseveres in some purpose which he has conceived to be excellent in spite of adversity and torture is to one who in the cold security of undoubted triumph inflicts the most horrible revenge upon his enemy, not from any mistaken notion of inducing him to repent of a perseverance in enmity, but with the alleged design of exasperating him to deserve new torments. Milton has so far violated the popular creed (if this shall be judged to be a violation) as to have alleged no superiority of moral virtue to his God over his …show more content…
Because of this he was soon considered to be the leader of an ingenious rebellion in search for freedom. Many critics further depicted their positive opinions on the rebellious angel by linking his own struggles the suffering of mankind and the hardships they go through in order to obtain their own freedom, as well as the determination necessary to do so.
However, other aspects regarding this remarkable character should also be taken into consideration. To begin with, the degrading of Satan’s character in the poem as it develops is clear sign of his weakness against God’s omnipotence. Therefore, Paradise Lost cannot be seen only as a defence of Satan or a proclamation of heroism more than it should be observed as an affirmation of God’s power in the face of Evil. However, Milton’s strategy in order to depict God’s power is by focusing mainly on Satan’s portrayal. The former personification of Evil is, contrary to its purpose, attractive for the