Satan As A Hero In Paradise Lost Book I

The character of Satan as depicted in Milton’s the first book of ‘Paradise Lost’ is endowed with so many heroic qualities that Dryden and many subsequent critics have thought that Milton actually intended to make Satan the hero of the epic. Satan is a revolutionary anarchist of superhuman dimensions. He has a superb genius, a great intellect, great emotions and great physical daring. Though Satan is not a complete hero, still in all these heroic qualities penned by Milton he is proudly eminence in his indomitable spirit.

Satan is the leader of the angels who revolted against God. He proved to be the ablest of leaders on account of his strong will, indomitable courage and firmness of purpose. He is moved to tears at the pliable condition of his followers. He is determined to wage eternal war against God. His great soul is loth to acknowledge defeat, he says–

Further he inspires his army–

These are fearful words, highly inspiring. Through these words Satan’s rebellious mind is clearly expressed. He shows his great will-power and his great power of endurance when he says–

Satan would not sue for peace. It is beneath his dignity. These are very powerful words, highly inspiring. Satan’s love of freedom is expressed in the following words–

Though through the voice of Satan Milton is speaking himself all the above immortal lines expressing his love of freedom from bondage, Milton clearly suggests that Satan is an embodiment of evil. Out of epic necessity he is made sublime. Evil has begun to gain mastery over him from the very beginning of his activities. He accepts evil as the governing principle of his activities.

So we find that Satan has so many heroic qualities. In spite of all the heroic qualities Satan cannot be considered as a true hero. His character is on the whole most like a mighty tempest or an avalanche or any other force of nature that combines the beauty of sublimity with immense destructive power.

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