Paradise Lost Essay
The stories that people today and people back in history have been taught about religion and the fall of Satan are relatively the same. God is the savior, the king, and the almighty power. He is an unseen leader whose power we worship, one who is of an understanding nature and blessed character. What we have been taught about Satan and his followers has never gone far from what the Bible has always told us. Satan is a dark character, a selfish, jealous, and powerless creature that tries to bring people to his hell and make them as miserable as he is himself. It would appear that Milton tried to disprove this assumption- it seems he instead portrayed Satan as a powerful, heroic and magnificent being. God can be interpreted as far and few choose to believe- dark, emotionless, egotistical, and unforgiving. Although this was not necessarily his aim, the way that he wrote it left it open to many different interpretations.
Milton’s word choices and his character development make Satan’s character an object of curiosity. The reader is swayed to be attracted to Satan’s appeal, if not his power. Satan’s character is strong-minded, intellectual, and at times, philosophical. Milton does not portray the fault of Satan’s fall on lack of intelligence, or weakness of character- it is more a simple acceptance of evil. Satan says, “So farewell Hope And with Hope farewell Fear Farewell Remorse: all Good to me is lost Evil be thou my Good,” (Milton, IV. 109-111). Milton summarizes Satan’s acceptance of evil best, saying that the profoundest Hell will receive a new leader, one who possesses a mind that cannot be changed. (I. 29-31) Read more…