Paradise Lost Satan Hero or Villain - 2668 Words

Satan: Epic Hero or Villain? John Milton wrote one of the greatest epic poems of all time when he wrote Paradise Lost in 1667. The book tells about mans creation and fall while detailing characters and the plot beyond what the Bible taught. One of these characters is Satan, which is one of the most argumented, controversial, and popular characters in the history of literature. The reason for controversary is the unclarity of whether or not Satan is a hero or a villain. He contains many qualities that distinguish him as a hero. On the other hand he also has qualities which say he is a villain. Scholars have written over time to support each argument of hero or villain and have explained why Milton decided to create such a†¦show more content†¦He was still trying to give confidence to his soldiers and he gave a speech which inspired a great number of the devils. Such implements of mischief as shall dash to pieces and oerwhelm watever stands Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmed The Thunderer of his only dreaded bolt. Nor long shall be our labour, yet ere dawn Effe ct shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive, Abandon fear; to strength and counsel joined Think nothing hard, much less to be despaired. (Milton 183) This shows that even though they were being defeated greatly Satan was still trying to give confidence to his men and make them believe that they did in fact have a good chance of winning. Scholars have contributed their opinion in the role of Satan that he is a hero in the poem. With the Prince of Hell Milton reverses the functions and correspndingly the characteristicts, stressing thoseappropriate to an epic antagonist and underplaying though incorporating those of an example of evil. (Kaston 58) Kaston is saying in the poem Milton totally reverses the beliefs which have always been associated with Satan. Everyone has always portrayed Satan as evil and as the villain of everything. But Milton has used him as a hero who was doing something in which everyone thought was evil. Satans actual attempt to defeat god was evil but all the qu alities in which Satan showed us were not evil. All the leadership qualities and acts areShow MoreRelatedEssay on John Miltonss Paradise Lost: Is Satan a Villain or Hero?2009 Words   |  9 Pagesof whether Satan is the hero or the villain of John Milton’s Paradise Lost has been largely debated by scholars over the centuries. The ones who believe Satan is the villain of the epic, more commonly known as the Anti-Satanists, tend to argue that Satan is too foolish to be considered a hero, as his â€Å"hostility to Almighty power† is ultimately a futile endeavour (as God’s power is omnipotent) (Carey, 135). C.W. Lewis, also an anti-Satanist, goes as far as to claim that to â€Å"admire Satan, then, is toRead 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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