Character Analysis Of Satan In Milton
Character Analysis of Satan
Stacey N. Lodge
St. Francis College
In Milton’s Paradise Lost, multiple aspects of Satan’s character are revealed as the author narrates Satan’s battle with God. Upset because The Son was chosen as second to God and not him, Satan seeks out to come to power in Heaven. The result is his removal from Heaven to the ominous pits of Hell. One might be quick to automatically consider Satan as villainous and evil because of his role in Heaven as the rebel angel, however, after careful analysis, one might find that there is much more to see in this character than the obvious. Through Satan’s villainous and evil thoughts, words, and actions, there are surprisingly several noble characteristics that can be noted. Although Satan repeatedly uses these characteristics for the purpose of corruption and malevolence, characteristics of bravery, ambition, and being an opportunist can still be recognized while reading and interpreting the text.
Book II opens with the chief devils imparting their viewpoints on which is the best action to take now that they have been expelled from Heaven and sent to this abyss. Moloch speaks in favor of a war against Heaven, while Belial counters Moloch with the idea to just accept their punishment and live on with the hope that perhaps God will forgive them one day. Another fallen angel, Beelzebub speaks and devises a plan to get their revenge by corrupting Man, God’s newest and most cherished creation. His plan is to go up to Earth and induce Man into sin so that God will have to destroy them. Although all the devils love the idea, none are brave enough to accept the task. Satan, the opportunist, who has sat quietly throughout the entire meeting, sees this as his chance to prove himself as leader of the entire fleet of rebel angels.
An opportunist, by definition, is one who uses situations to uses situations to his or her advantage. As the meeting is going on, one can assume that Satan is
Stacey N. Lodge
St. Francis College
In Milton’s Paradise Lost, multiple aspects of Satan’s character are revealed as the author narrates Satan’s battle with God. Upset because The Son was chosen as second to God and not him, Satan seeks out to come to power in Heaven. The result is his removal from Heaven to the ominous pits of Hell. One might be quick to automatically consider Satan as villainous and evil because of his role in Heaven as the rebel angel, however, after careful analysis, one might find that there is much more to see in this character than the obvious. Through Satan’s villainous and evil thoughts, words, and actions, there are surprisingly several noble characteristics that can be noted. Although Satan repeatedly uses these characteristics for the purpose of corruption and malevolence, characteristics of bravery, ambition, and being an opportunist can still be recognized while reading and interpreting the text.
Book II opens with the chief devils imparting their viewpoints on which is the best action to take now that they have been expelled from Heaven and sent to this abyss. Moloch speaks in favor of a war against Heaven, while Belial counters Moloch with the idea to just accept their punishment and live on with the hope that perhaps God will forgive them one day. Another fallen angel, Beelzebub speaks and devises a plan to get their revenge by corrupting Man, God’s newest and most cherished creation. His plan is to go up to Earth and induce Man into sin so that God will have to destroy them. Although all the devils love the idea, none are brave enough to accept the task. Satan, the opportunist, who has sat quietly throughout the entire meeting, sees this as his chance to prove himself as leader of the entire fleet of rebel angels.
An opportunist, by definition, is one who uses situations to uses situations to his or her advantage. As the meeting is going on, one can assume that Satan is
References: Milton , J. (1667). Paradise lost.