Every epic poem depicts a shattered historic civilization and its surviving virtues through the narration's main characters. The dynamic political and social events that inspired Milton's ‘Paradise Lost’ also apply to those conventions found in epics like Homer's ‘Iliad’. Thematic affinities between the central acts of ‘Paradise Lost’ and Homer's ‘Iliad’ were noted by Milton himself, who followed Homer's ‘Iliad’ more closely than any other epic in his poem. The poet restores these conventions with the aid of classical allusions, but he also significantly alters them in order to expose his own artistic vision and his approval or rejection of different aspects. In general, Satan is depicted in literature as a character who is involved in various intrigues as part of his valiant battle against God. Satan, on the other hand, is not a total adversary, but rather a character that can be compared to a classical epic hero in certain ways. Milton opposes a traditional hero with only optimistic characteristics in this regard. Milton's Satan is depicted as an adversary to God's despotic influence. The poet exposes Satan's shortcomings, portraying him as a noble and despised figure who can be praised for his struggle but is doomed to fail because of his actions. Milton's frustration with the heroic tradition of the epic is shown by the fact that Satan is given certain conventional heroic attributes.
Milton's view of the hero differs from that of classical literature in that his hero is someone who defies stereotypes, religious dogma, and established norms. The poet constructs his own reality based on historical facts by merging pagan epic elements with Christian traditions. The social and historical background that influenced Milton's portrayal of Satan can also clarify such an uncommon artistic perspective. As the story progresses, Satan appears to demonstrate some heroism that, to a degree, represents the classical conception of heroic acts. This strain of something resembling tenderness in Satan's character enhances his heroic qualities. His bravery and willpower are not the product of nature's irreversible hardening or inability to feel gentle emotion.
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Satan is depicted using specific epic similes that allow the poet to emphasize Satan's figure and expose his epic characteristics by contrasting him with the Son, who appears to be less heroic. In this respect, the heroism of Homer's ‘Iliad’ opposes Milton's interpretation of heroism since Achilles' heroic deeds are motivated by the hero's indignation and desire for vengeance. Despite the fact that some critics do not consider Satan to be a hero, Milton reveals that he has several heroic qualities. Satan escapes hell and risks his life in order to discover the truth and prove his freedom. He makes an effort to create a world that is different from the one created by God, but he fails because he lacks the necessary power to do so. As a result, Milton does not fully reject the classical epic elements, but rather rejects classical forms and themes in general. His poems are also revisionary transformations of earlier styles, infusing them with modern prophetic Christian significance. Milton embodies certain qualities that he finds essential for aero, such as courage, freedom, light, and wisdom, in the character of Satan. All of these traits are revealed by Satan, who rises up against God and begins a revolt. The use of epic conventions by Milton places many limits on the entire narrative and the characters, which the poet seeks to resolve in ‘Paradise Lost’. The inadequacy of epic perfection to serve even as the picture of a higher perfection is revealed in Milton's poem, and this inadequacy is emphasized further in the very unpick account of the Creation. The poet examines the effect of these epic conventions on Satan's character and heroism, demonstrating how Satan is constrained by these rituals.
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Analysis Satan’s Character in John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’.
(2022, December 15). Edubirdie. Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/analysis-satans-character-in-john-miltons-paradise-lost/
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2022 Dec 15 [cited 2024 Nov 24].
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