Paradise Lost

An analysis of the Satan character with respect to the theme of dualities enhances our understanding of the central effect and meaning of the entire work. Before the reading, we had the preconceived opinion that Satan is the culmination of all things evil, yet the first few selections give readers a rather different view on Satan, one that is heroic and appealing and certainly wins our sympathy. But by the poem's end he is suffering in Hell as a serpent. Milton also introduces details to his characterization of Satan such as the “lost archangel” (I, 245) with an ethereal glow. We first see him as a strong, imposing figure with great skill as a leader. He leaves Hell looking like a comet or meteor, then disguises himself as a more humble cherub, then as a cormorant, a toad, and finally a snake. some would consider Satan as the hero or protagonist of the story, because like a typical protagonist in an epic genre, he struggles to overcome his own doubts and weaknesses, he appeals to us with his human failings and longings, and he wins, at first, our admiration with his rebelliousness. He tricks his fellow devils, the troops who faithfully followed him to their doom, by rigging the debate and having Beelzebub present Satan's plan of action as his own. This is one of the outstanding abilities of Milton to encourage the readers to read the poem properly and with attention to details, it also provokes the readers to reconsider many aspects of the poem. Unlike the infallible God, Satan experiences changes and internal strife. Many readers would argue that Milton deliberately makes Satan seem heroic and appealing early in the poem so that we sympathize with him. Our perception of Satan's character changes significantly from Book I to Book X, when he makes his final appearance. Also, the fact that Satan would like to hold a council to discuss the issues of revenge contrasted with the ubiquitous “tyranny of Heaven” in the selections.