Question

Milton’s Satan in the epic poem Paradise Lost can be defined as an anti-hero. Write an essay explaining what makes Satan an anti-hero. Discuss how characterization is used to establish the figure of Satan as an awe-inspiring, yet terrifying anti-hero.

Answer 1

Satan is by far the most ambiguous character in "Paradise Lost". As a paragon of evil, pride, rebellion, and disdain, he is an anti-hero because he acts in juxtaposition to God, who is the hero and the only real, commanding authority in the world of this epic. Without God, this epic would lack the moral balance that it relies so heavily upon. But without Satan, it would lack both charm and soul.

There is much more to Satan than meets the eye. His real strength and appeal lay in the fact that we, the readers, are prone to sympathize with him, more than we would be willing to admit. In all of his wickedness, he asks all the most pertinent religious questions that we ourselves are so fond of asking: who is this despotic God and why should we obey him when he has made such a cruel world for us? The reader can't help but be enchanted by Satan's sophisticated thinking and profound speeches. Even though we feel that his arguments are flawed because they are self-centered, we are inclined to agree with them. Milton's God, as the hero, is a pure principle of authority, will, and goodness. He doesn't want to seduce us to accept his ways. He wants us to freely choose to follow them, without resorting to tricks and sophisms. However, we can't help but feel that Satan knows us better!

Satan's courage to oppose the almighty God is a trait that nobody can disregard or disrespect. At the same time, it is his most terrifying trait, as it is the very reason for his banishment from heaven and, consequently, our own. It is Satan's animal (the snake, as his extended arm) that inspired disobedience with Eve and Adam. It is Satan's charm that will condemn to hell all those who fail to resist it.