Paradise Lost by Milton

¶ … Heroic Qualities of the Son of God and Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost

John Milton's Paradise Lost presents us with complex images of the hero. We have come to understand the epic hero being portrayed as a person of historical significance possessing courage and strength and usually placed in a grand setting. Heroic actions and characteristics are present in the Son of God and Satan and this paper will examine the similarities and differences between each character.

The Son of God can easily be seen as the hero of Paradise Lost because he is good. He sits with God in Heaven and because he is the Son, his actions (as well as his person) are perfect. For instance, Milton tells us that the Son is "most glorious... And in his face/Divine compassion visibly appeared,/Love without end, and without measure grace" (III.139-42). God says that the Son is his word, wisdom, and effectual might (III.171).

The Son of God is obedient to his father, follows the commands of God with a good attitude, and he is meek, kind, and humble. Because of his ultimate nature, it is difficult to understand the extent of his goodness and selflessness; however, it is this complexity that also contributes to his heroic quality. In addition, the Son of God remains heroic because he does not change. His character and heart never falter. This instills in the reader a sense of respect and admiration.

For example, The heroic actions of the Son of God can first be seen when he offers his life for that of man. When no ones else in Heaven volunteers, "all the Heavenly Quire stood mute" (III.217). Milton describes the Son of God as one "in whom the fulness dwells of love divine" (III.224-5). He is a hero because he steps forth when no one else does. The Son says:

Behold me, then: me for him, life for life offer; on me let thine anger fall:

Account me Man: I for his sake will leave

Thy bosom, and this glory next to thee

Freely put off, and for him lastly die

Well pleased. (III.236-41)

In this passage, we see the Son of God giving the ultimate sacrifice, his life, which demonstrates great courage.

Additionally, we witness more courage in Book VI, when he attacks Satan and his angels, driving them into Hell. He spoke and "into terror changed His count'nance, too sever to beheld, And full of wrath bent on his enemies." (VI.824-26). Again, we can see the kindness in the Son's spirit, which makes him even more of a hero when we are told that he "meant not to destroy, but root them out of heaven" (VI.855). He drove them "with terrors and furies" into the wasteful Deep. Milton then refers to the Son as the "sole victor" (VI.880), which illustrates that the narrator of the poem also perceives the Son as a hero.

Finally, we can see a heroic action when the Son pities Adam and Eve after they are exiled from Eden for they are naked. He "clad/Their nakedness with skins of beasts" (X. 216) and clothes their "inward nakedness... with his robe of righteousness" (X.222). He then intercedes for them in the following book. He asks God to "bend thine ear/To supplication" (XI. 30-1) while the he interprets for them and becomes their advocate. (XI. 33) In these instances, we witness the kind and loving nature of the Son.

Likewise, the character of Satan shows heroic characteristics as well. In contrast to the character of the Son of God, we can relate to Satan because he possesses characteristics that are very human. Perhaps his most attractive characteristic is his ability to lead. He gives very compelling speeches and was also very resourceful. He was enough of a leader to have an army of angels leave heaven to follow him. Satan was a very determined, rebellious nonconformist. He was, in effect, the underdog. In addition, he is a charming and interesting character, even though he has evil intentions. Even his actions at the end of the poem, when he refuses to serve in Heaven, can be admired, for he never wavered. In his mind, he had a cause and was willing to fight for that cause. Despite the fact that he is who he is, we can understand his admirable qualities, despite their negative motivations.

Satan is a strong character who does not give up easily and we see his true evil when he says to his angels:

Receive thy new possessor, one who brings mind not to be changed by place or time.

The mind is its own place, and in itself

Can make a Heaven out of Hell, a Hell out of Heaven. (I.252-5)

Satan is also seen as heroic because he is defiant, unafraid and very proud. We discover early in Paradise Lost how Satan presents himself as a defender of freedom. This image is not only attractive to Beelzebub, but can also be attractive to us as well because it demonstrates strength and leadership. In fact, he even makes Hell look appealing when he says:

Here at last

We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built

Here for his envy, will not drive us hence:

Here we may reign secure, and in my choice,

To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:

Better to reign in Hell, than to serve in Heav'n (I.258-63)

We can appreciate Satan's independence and it is through such a moving speech that he is able to convince other s to follow him Milton also makes his character likable to us because he does feel such passion. Heroes are made when people are able motivate others to come and fight for their cause; Satan succeeds in this endeavor. His passion is enviable and we find ourselves feeling sympathetic to him.

However, Satan begins to lose favor in our eyes as the poem progresses and we begin to see his true nature. As a result, whatever respect or admiration we once had for Satan is perceived as false. Satan begins to question his own actions, which is the first sign that he is losing not only faith in himself but also his heroic nature. This uncertainty is clear when he says:

fell, how glorious once above thy sphere,

Till pride and worse ambition threw me down,

Warring in Heav'n against Heav'n's matchless King:

Ah Wherefore? he deserved no such return

From me, whom he created what I was In that bright eminence, and with his good