The Majestic Darkness

Poem Review # 109091

English > Analysis
Literature > Poetry

An analysis of the character of Satan in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton.

1,454 words () | 11 sources | MLA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper contends that Satan is the true heroic character in "Paradise Lost". Specifically, the paper looks at how Satan is a true believer in his cause and has faith in himself and his allies in Hell even though he faces terrible odds. The paper also discusses how Satan throws himself into battle with fervor and how he dares to question God and His will no matter what the personal cost. The paper maintains that these are the true qualities of a hero.

From the Paper:

"In Paradise Lost Milton compares Satan to "several figures from Classical and biblical mythology" (Butler 135) to show the possible "faulty heroism and punishment" (135) of the fallen angel, an example of this is the heroic virtues that are shared with Achilles. Satan was a warrior much like the great Achilles, they both had ambition and pride and both failed in their efforts, both were sent to Hell (Steadman 19). Yet Satan is not seen as heroic as Achilles is. Heroic virtues differed from ordinary virtues; heroic virtues were defined as super human, unequalled, or extraordinary (Steadman xiv). Satan's war in Heaven had involved the use of force, a grand force that failed terribly."

Sample of Sources Used:

Bryson, Michael. ""That far be from thee": Divine Evil and Justification in Paradise Lost." Milton Quarterly (2006): 87-9.
Butler, George F. "The Fall of Tydeus and the Failure of Satan: Statius' Thebaid, Dante's Commedia, and Milton's Paradise Lost." Comparative Literature Studies (2006): 134.
De Andro, Nidhani. "Satan as Self Deceiver in Paradise Lost." 1988. Sabarajamuwa University of Sri Lanka. 4 November 2008 <www.sab.ac.lk>.
Gross, Kenneth. "Satan and the Romantic Satan: A Note Book." Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Boston: W.W. Norton & Company, Incorporated, 2004. 420-4.
Lewi, C.S. "Satan." Milton, John. Paradise Lost. Boston: W.W. Norton & Company, Incorporated, 2004. 401-8.