Milton Paradise Lost Books

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.

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 is detailed description of Hell and what kind of environment in which Satan thrives and builds for his armies of demons. As much as Satan wishes to reject heaven, Milton describes Satan's kingdom as a darker semblage of heaven; he rules like a king, just as God does; he has a throne and many followers. In his rebellion, Satan has recreated his version of the kingdom of heaven where he is God and ruler over all who align with his cause.

In this poem, Satan and Beelzebub are distinctly different people, whereas in contemporary literature and thinking, Beelzebub and Satan are synonyms. Beelzebub is a figure of prominence, particularly Satan as he acts as his advisor or counsel in important matters. Together they move forward on their plan to corrupt the human race and destroy or subjugate the kingdom of heaven once and for all. By book 4, the war has commenced and the battles for the fates of heaven and humanity have begun.

The language Milton uses to describe Satan is what one would use to describe an animal. This is yet another way Milton reveals his position regarding religion and really, humanity as well. Those who side with Satan are not human, they are demons and beasts, which one of several themes a reader may infer when studying the text closely. Satan's approach and conquest is slow and gradual, yet it takes place nonetheless.

Milton does not portray Satan as a figure who rushes into decisions or actions, but one who is steadfast, contemplative, and persistent. Satan does not give up easily.