Paradise Lost
The argument over who is the true protagonist of Paradise Lost, has been brewing for centuries. One would think that Milton, a Puritan, would have no problem casting God as the hero, and Satan as the antagonist. But looking back in0 history, Milton saw that most epic heroes had conflicts that prevented them from accomplishing their goals. God and his Son have no conflict, and Adam's story doesn't really begin until the fall of man. Therefore, Milton was forced to select Satan as the hero of Paradise Lost because he adheres to the guidelines of epic poetry set by Homer and others. There are many examples of how Milton uses the tradition of these previous epics in the formation of the Devil as a hero. One of the most basic examples of heroism in epic poetry is the feeling that the leader relays to his followers. In The Odyssey, Homer has Odysseus give a speech that would convince anyone they could survive the journey to the Strait of Messina, "Then we die with our eyes open, if we are going to die, or know what death we baffle if we can.(ln.1243-1245)" After passing the Sirens, the ship approaches the Strait, and the crew sees the twin terrors of Scylla and Charybdis, they are mortified. Odysseus again lifts the
Break down Paradise Lost to it bare elements, removing all religious overtones, and you have an epic poem, plain and simple. The hero of this poem is a man named Lucifer who is banished for challenging the leadership of the clan. This man makes a vow to destroy or corrupt anything created by the clan. Satan was resourceful, making the best of what he had, and accomplishing his goal. Satan may just be the James Dean of biblical times, a nonconformist who couldn't abide by what was considered normal. In any case one must show their admiration for Satan in his unwillingness to serve in Heaven, and then in the way he accepted his resulting role in Hell. ir spirits with this speech, "Friends, have we ever been in danger before this? More fearsome, is it now, than when the Cyclops penned us in his cave? What power he had! Did I not keep my nerve, and use my wits to find a way out for us? ... Heads up, lads! We must now obey orders as I give them.(1294-1302)" In Paradise Lost, this is used in the opening scene. After suffering a major defeat at the hands of the Almighty, Satan awakens in a lake of fire. He first speaks to Beelzebub, his second in command, telling him, "All is not lost, the unconquerable Will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and courage never to submit or yield: and what else is not to be overcome?... Since by Fate the strength of Gods and Empyreal substance cannot fail, Since though experience of this great event in Arms not worse, in foresight much advance's, We may with more successful hope resolve to wage by force or guile eternal War irreconcilable, to our grand Foe, who now triumphs, and in th'excess of joy sole reigning holds the Tyranny of Heav'n.(106-109,116-124)" Beelzebub, perhaps showing signs of little faith in his leader raises some important questions. Satan can be said to have the same flaw as Odysseus. He, in part, is the cause of his own demise. Had Satan served God willfully, the war never would have raged in Heaven, and Satan and his Army never would've been thrown in the fiery pits of Hell. However, without that action Satan would not be a hero. His being in Hell leads to him realize his purpose, to corrupt the new type of being God has created on Earth. Satan's journey can be said to be
Some common words found in the essay are:
Paradise Lost, Odysseus Tell, Milton Satan, Satan Christian, Heaven258-263 Beelzebub, Scylla Charybdis, Hell Fire, Gods Empyreal, Heav'n106-109116-124 Beelzebub, Almighty Satan, paradise lost, epic hero, fallen angels, epic poetry, satan hero, hero satan, epic heroes, speech satan, satan's journey, adam eve,
Approximate Word count = 1516
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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