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    Paradise Lost

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    hastar.anonymous
    The document analyzes whether Satan can be viewed as the hero of Book 1 of Paradise Lost by John Milton; it discusses how Milton portrays Satan as a charismatic, rebellious, and resilient figure who defies God's authority and pursues knowledge and free will, making him a sympathetic and compelling character, though he may ultimately serve as a warning against pride and disobedience.

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    Paradise Lost

    Uploaded by

    hastar.anonymous
    7 views1 page
    The document analyzes whether Satan can be viewed as the hero of Book 1 of Paradise Lost by John Milton; it discusses how Milton portrays Satan as a charismatic, rebellious, and resilient figure who defies God's authority and pursues knowledge and free will, making him a sympathetic and compelling character, though he may ultimately serve as a warning against pride and disobedience.

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    The document analyzes whether Satan can be viewed as the hero of Book 1 of Paradise Lost by John Milton; it discusses how Milton portrays Satan as a charismatic, rebellious, and resilient figure who defies God's authority and pursues knowledge and free will, making him a sympathetic and compelling character, though he may ultimately serve as a warning against pride and disobedience.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    7 views1 page

    Paradise Lost

    Uploaded by

    hastar.anonymous
    The document analyzes whether Satan can be viewed as the hero of Book 1 of Paradise Lost by John Milton; it discusses how Milton portrays Satan as a charismatic, rebellious, and resilient figure who defies God's authority and pursues knowledge and free will, making him a sympathetic and compelling character, though he may ultimately serve as a warning against pride and disobedience.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 1

    Character analysis of Satan in book 1 of “Paradise lost”.

    In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, the sympathetic descriptions of the character of Satan present the
    question as to whether Satan is actually the hero of the poem. During one’s reading of this epic
    masterpiece,it becomes exceedingly apparent that the feelings of the
    reader are not entirely repulsed by the personification of the Devil as one might have predicted them
    to be. Instead, one may be easily entranced by the passages of sorrow and woe, inspirational
    monologues of marvelous rhetoric, and speeches of uplifting rallying, all of which feature Satan as
    the primary focus.

    Certainly, one can argue that Satan is portrayed as the true hero in Book 1 of "Paradise Lost" by
    John Milton. While this perspective may seem unconventional, it stems from the character's
    complexity and the way Milton presents him as a charismatic and rebellious figure.

    In Book 1, Satan emerges as a compelling character who defies the authoritarian rule of God. His
    rebellion against the established order can be seen as an act of courage and a pursuit of freedom.
    Milton depicts Satan as a charismatic leader, rallying other fallen angels with powerful rhetoric. His
    speech in lines 157-190 highlights his determination to be free and govern himself, a sentiment that
    resonates with the human desire for autonomy.

    Furthermore, Satan's character exhibits qualities traditionally associated with epic heroes. He is
    portrayed as a figure of grandeur, resilience, and intelligence. Despite facing defeat in heaven, Satan
    refuses to yield to despair. His resilience in the face of adversity makes him a captivating and
    admirable character, akin to classical epic heroes who confront overwhelming challenges.

    Satan's rebellion can also be interpreted as a quest for knowledge and self-discovery. In his defiance,
    he seeks to explore realms beyond what God has permitted, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge
    and autonomy that aligns with human aspirations. This pursuit of knowledge and self-determination
    resonates with readers who value individual agency and intellectual curiosity.

    Milton's portrayal of Satan as the hero also hinges on the idea of free will. The very act of rebellion
    against God implies a choice, and Satan becomes a symbol of the individual's right to choose, even if
    that choice leads to rebellion. This interpretation challenges the conventional view of Satan as purely
    evil and emphasizes the importance of free will in the moral landscape presented by Milton.

    However, it's essential to acknowledge the counterarguments. Satan's rebellion can be seen as a
    selfish pursuit of power and a rejection of divine order. His charismatic qualities may mask darker
    intentions, and his manipulation of fellow fallen angels raises questions about his true motives. From
    a theological perspective, Milton might intend Satan as a cautionary figure rather than a hero,warning
    against the consequences of pride and disobedience.

    While it is possible to defend the idea that Satan is the true hero of "Paradise Lost" Book 1, this
    interpretation relies on emphasizing his heroic qualities, resilience, and pursuit of knowledge and
    freedom. It involves challenging traditional notions of good and evil and considering Satan as a
    complex character embodying human desires for autonomy and self-determination. Nonetheless, this
    interpretation is not without its challenges, as critics may argue that Milton intended Satan as a
    cautionary figure rather than a hero.

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