Paradise Lost: An Analysis of Satan by Milton
John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" depicts the fall of man from grace and the ensuing consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience. At the center of this narrative is Satan, the archangel who rebels against God, leads the other fallen angels, and ultimately tempts Adam and Eve. Despite his villainous actions, Satan's character is one of the most complex and intriguing in all of literature. In this article, we will analyze Satan's character and motivations in "Paradise Lost."
Satan's Pride and Envy
Satan is often characterized as a figure of pride and envy in "Paradise Lost." He rebels against God not because he has been wronged, but because he believes himself to be superior to all other creatures, including God. Satan's envy is further fueled by his realization that he and his fellow angels are not equal to God in power and authority. This leads him to seek revenge and to try to overthrow God.
Satan's Heroism and Tragic Flaw
Despite Satan's evil intentions, he has often been viewed as a tragic hero by literary critics. This is due to his bravery and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Satan's charisma and leadership skills are also evident in his ability to rally other fallen angels to his cause. However, Satan's tragic flaw is his inability to recognize the error of his ways and to seek redemption. This ultimately leads to his downfall.
Satan as a Rebel Against Oppression
Another interpretation of Satan's character is that he is a rebel against oppression. He believes that God's rule is tyrannical and that he deserves to be treated as an equal. In this view, Satan is a hero fighting against an unjust system. However, this interpretation ignores the fact that Satan's rebellion is motivated by his own pride and envy, and that his actions ultimately lead to the downfall of humanity.
The Irony of Satan's Punishment
In the end, Satan's rebellion is unsuccessful and he and his followers are cast out of heaven and punished. Satan himself is transformed into a serpent and sentenced to crawl on his belly for all eternity. The irony of Satan's punishment is that, while he sought to bring down humanity, he inadvertently brought about his own downfall. His punishment is a reflection of the harm he brought not only to humanity, but to himself and his fellow fallen angels.
Conclusion
Satan is a complex and multifaceted character in "Paradise Lost." He is a figure of pride and envy, a tragic hero, and a rebel against oppression. His actions ultimately lead to the fall of humanity and his own downfall. Milton's portrayal of Satan has fascinated readers for centuries and continues to be a subject of literary analysis and debate.
