John Milton wrote his famous epic poem "Paradise Lost" at the end of Renaissance. It was published in a first version in 1667, consisting of ten books and in the final version in 1674, consisting of twelve books. Up until today this masterpiece is considered as one of the most famous writings of English literature.
The question of this paper is if the character of Satan can be depicted as an heroic figure and in how far Satan can be described as epic hero. John Milton is forcing the reader of Paradise Lost to consider the possibility that Satan may actually be a hero, or at least a character that might be analysed in a more complex way. The character of Satan uses this tension and provokes the reader. During the 13th up to the 16th century the devil was discussed very frequently among people of all classes. Nevertheless Satan or the devil is afflicted with mostly negative thoughts as he is the antagonist of God.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. JOHN MILTON - AN OVERVIEW
3. PARADISE LOST AND SATAN
3.1 CONTENT
3.2 SATAN
4. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper investigates whether the character of Satan in John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost can be interpreted as a heroic figure or an epic hero. It aims to analyze the complexity of Satan's character by examining his motives, his human-like qualities, and the specific narrative techniques employed by Milton that invite reader identification.
- The biographical and intellectual background of John Milton.
- The structural composition and thematic narrative of Paradise Lost.
- An in-depth character analysis of Satan, focusing on his presentation and speeches.
- The tension between Satan as an antagonist and his potential status as a tragic hero.
- The role of paradox and contrast in shaping the reader's perception of the character.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Satan
For many researchers and critics Satan is, in John Milton's work, the accepted hero. Furthermore Milton waas seen as a devil admiring poet even though he did not noticed this fact. As already mentioned John Milton's Paradise Lost begins with the perspective of Satan and explains how he has fallen from heaven. At least in the first three books of the poem Satan is to be seen as the epic hero. The story allows the reader a very broad access to the inner thinking of Satan's mind. As a matter of fact this insight might Satan seem more human than God, the angels and even Adam and Eve.
Furthermore the devils around Satan think that the human race is very alike to themselves, "Of some new race called Man, about this time/ To be created like to us, though less/ In power and excellence, but favoured more/ Of him who rules above [...]". God is portrayed as angry and very distanced which makes the character of Satan even more appealing and heroic that the reader can actually identify with, "[...] That glory never shall his wrath or might/ Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace/ With suppliant knee, and deify his power,/ Who from the terror of his arms so late [...]".
At the very same time Satan is very unlike to human beings as the reader get information about his appearing and his qualities. "[...] His spear, to equal which the tallest pine/ Hewn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast/ Of some great admiral, were but a wand, [...]". Satan therefore must be of superhuman size and stronger than any human being. Moreover Satan is incapable of feeling hope, "[...] Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace/ And rest can never dwell, hope never comes [...]". In addition he is not able to feel or experience sexual delight or love. He can only feel fierce desire and pain of longing.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research question regarding the potential heroic status of Satan in Paradise Lost and establishes the paper's focus on analyzing specific parts of the poem where Satan appears.
2. JOHN MILTON - AN OVERVIEW: Provides biographical context on John Milton, detailing his upbringing, his education, his political views, and the circumstances surrounding the composition of his most famous work.
3. PARADISE LOST AND SATAN: Examines the structure of the poem and conducts a detailed study of the character of Satan, analyzing his speeches, his transition from heaven to earth, and the various interpretations of his motives.
4. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, arguing that while Satan remains a complex and paradoxical figure, Milton's narrative techniques encourage readers to view him as a relatable, if not heroic, anti-hero.
Keywords
John Milton, Paradise Lost, Satan, Epic Hero, Antagonist, Literature, Renaissance, Puritanism, Narrative Techniques, Character Analysis, Good and Evil, Adam and Eve, Redemption, Humanism, Interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily examines the portrayal of Satan in John Milton's Paradise Lost to determine if he can be categorized as a hero or a complex, heroic figure within the context of the epic.
What are the main thematic fields covered in the text?
The text explores Milton's literary craft, the historical and religious influences of the 17th century, the psychology of Satan's character, and the broader interpretation of the struggle between good and evil.
What is the primary research question?
The research asks if the character of Satan can be depicted as an heroic figure and to what extent he can be described as an epic hero in the eyes of the reader.
Which methodology is used to analyze the subject?
The author uses a literary-analytical approach, focusing on textual evidence from Paradise Lost, examining key speeches, and contextualizing the work within Milton's life and the prevailing historical perspectives of his era.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body covers John Milton's life and intellectual development, the narrative structure of Paradise Lost, and a deep, multi-faceted analysis of Satan's character traits, motivations, and his interactions with other characters like Adam and Eve.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include John Milton, Paradise Lost, Satan, Epic Hero, Humanism, Interpretation, and Literary Analysis.
How does the author justify the human-like qualities of Satan?
The author argues that Satan's inner reflections, his displayed pain, and his capacity for strategic thought make him appear more human and relatable to the reader than the distant, authoritative figures of God or the angels.
What role does the setting of Hell play in defining Satan's character?
The setting serves as a space for Satan to reinvent himself, highlighting his defiance and passion, and allows the reader to engage with his psychological state following his fall from heaven.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Maximilian Rütters (Author), 2017, Satan as the Hero in John Milton's "Paradise Lost", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/381132
