¶ … 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:...

(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…