Character sketch of Satan (Paradise Lost Book-1)

 

            John Milton portrays Satan as a great leader. His speeches are evident that neither he gives up on his ambitions nor does he let down the morale of his army. He is courageous, self-confident, and determined in, his plans. From the very beginning when he speaks and breaks the silence, readers realize his leadership qualities. He answers every question with confidence that Beelzebub asks him. It seems that he has inherited the best leadership qualities. He seems like a politician of modern days who always has a satisfactory answer to every question. Furthermore, he is a powerful, inspirational and motivational speaker.

            He shows his sympathy with his fellow angels. All speeches of Satan reveal that he considers himself one of them. He has clever skills in molding the minds of his army. Flattery, and making propaganda mixed with threats are also some other important leadership qualities of Satan’s character in Book 1 of Paradise Lost.

            He has been illustrated as a wicked general and a brave commander. He wants to remain a commander forever; hence, he says that it is better to reign in hell than to serve in heaven. Satan knows that he has fewer powers yet he wants to fight back with the help of fallen angels. He does everything to boost their morale. He, like a general, plans operations for them.

            The Hero of Paradise Lost remained controversial between the critics; some say that Satan is the hero whereas others regard Adam as the main hero of the poem. It is also a matter of fact that if Adam is the hero of Paradise Lost then he is action-less. Most of the action of the poem has been associated with Satan’s character and that too in Book 1 of Paradise Lost. He has an ambition to gain what he has lost. He cannot compromise on less, hence, he does everything he can to regain his lost position. The following line describes him as an ambitious hero:

                                          All is not lost unconquerable will.

            Satan knows the weaknesses of others and always finds an opportunity to discover more. He avails every opportunity that he has to avenge his enemies. He goes to Eve in the guise of a serpent and flatters her beauty. As we all know flattery is one of his best leadership qualities; therefore, he flatters her and tempts her to eat the forbidden apple.

            William Blake observes Satan and mentions that Milton belongs to the devil party. He further mentions that Milton has glorified Satan’s character, especially in Book 1 of Paradise Lost. Critics are of the view that good qualities should be attributed to the hero instead of bad ones, hence, Milton has not done poetic justice while writing his epic poem. He creates such a character that has an unyielding courage. He never loses hope nor does he give up on his ambitions. Besides, he is the most powerful character of Paradise Lost but he uses his powers to do the evil that gives a negative message to the readers. Milton has been discharged from this charge as Satan’s glorification is no more associated with him as a hero but as a villain. John Milton justifies God’s ways. He never says that Satan is the hero of his book, rather he shows the possibility that a villain can be more powerful than the hero. Whatever may be the objection of the critics, it is sure that he creates Satan a character that has an indomitable courage.

            In Book 1 of Paradise Lost John Milton gives Satan’s character a heroic stature. He makes him unique; a character that was never created in history. In Book 1 of Paradise Lost, Milton gives Satan’s character epic attributes such as a great leader, a brave general, a hero determined to his ambitions, a person who never settles on less than he deserves, a rebel, and an indomitable courageous hero.