Milton Paradise Lost Books Term Paper

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Characterizations of Satan in Paradise Lost

The character of Satan is a prominent figure in "Paradise Lost." In fact, it is arguable that without this character, there would be no poem and there would be no myth of the fall of humanity and the war in heaven. The paper will focus upon this character's significance and role in the overall narrative. The paper will reference Books 1, 2, and 4 as part of this discussion. As most people are aware and certainly readers of "Paradise Lost" are aware, Satan was an angel in heaven, a servant of God. When he rose against God and the kingdom of heaven, a great and epic struggle ensued, which is the primary narrative thrust of the poem. Examination of this character can provide insight into other characters, themes of the poem, and other literary structures that are present within Milton's great opus.

Milton's initial reference to Satan comes in book 1. He is not first mentioned by name, but by the symbol is he is know to have represented in the garden of Eden: the serpent. It is clear that Milton is not on the side of Satan as he serves as the omniscient third person narrator. He writes:

Who first seduc'd them to that fowl revolt? Th' infernal Serpent; he it was, whose guile Stir up with Envy and Revenge, deceiv'd The Mother of Mankinde, what time his Pride Had cast him out from Heav'n, with all his Host Of Rebel Angels, by whose aid aspiring To set himself in Glory above his Peers, He trusted to have equal'd the most High, If he oppos'd; and with ambitious aim Against the Throne and Monarchy of God Rais'd impious War in Heav'n and Battel proud With vain attempt.

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This passage explains and reveals a great deal about Satan. This passage describes his initial actions, his emotional drive for such actions, and how he perceives himself. Satan is a figure who believes himself better than God, especially after God deemed him unworthy of heaven. Satan is a rebel with an excess of pride and one who incites conspiracy as well as distrust. Satan is full of envy and revenge, which likely comes from a lack of self-esteem, brought to rage by the rejection of God and the kingdom of heaven. This is the leader of the revolt and the bringer of war to the kingdom of heaven.

In book 2, there is greater description and background about Satan's goals and objectives. There is even additional detail regarding his internal motivations for the rebellion as well as descriptions of many of his tactics to win. There….....

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