Paradise Lost

             In Paradise Lost, John Milton gives great eminence to the character of Satan. The author divides the characters in his epic poem into two sides: one side under God representing good and eternal providence, and the other side under Satan, representing evil and sin. This creature went from a beautiful, perfect being named Lucifer, living in the light and glory of heaven, to Satan, the prince of darkness who was banished to the earth. Essentially, Satan became the representative of all evil who allied with the fallen angels that aided in his revolt against God. Not only is Satan given the most important role in Milton's famous epic, but the author draws upon the psychological states of Satan. The reader is able to identify and sympathize with Satan as he appears to be very attractive, intelligent, and manipulative. Nonetheless, Satan is an endlessly intriguing character who possesses the complexity of humanistic features as his emotions and attitudes are explored by the author.
             One of Satan's most prominent characteristics is deception. In Paradise Lost, he manages to make other people believe and furthermore, trust in him. Deception is the most obvious weapon that Satan utilizes to persuade some of the characters in the poem. Nearly every statement he makes can be seen as a lie or delusion. Milton first describes him as "Who first seduced them to that foul revolt? Th' infernal serpent; he it was, whose guile/ Stirred up with envy and revenge, deceived/ The mother of mankind" (Book I, 33-36). These lines illustrate Satan's successful attempt of playing the serpent who tempts Eve and, through her, Adam, into committing the Original Sin. As a result of their curiosity, temptation, and indulgence, Adam and Eve cause the downfall of man. This in a way is the "death" of the perfect man. It is at this point that mankind's progenitors get a new perspective on their emotions. They are no longer...

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Paradise Lost. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 09:05, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/29756.html