Paradise Lost Analysis - 1295 Words

John Miltons epic â€Å"Paradise Lost† is one that has brought about much debate since its writing. This epic tells the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, although from a different perspective than what most people usually see. Milton tells the story more through the eyes of Satan, whom most people usually consider the ultimate villain. The way in which Satan is portrayed in this story has caused speculation as to whether Satan is actually a hero in this situation. He certainly has heroic qualities throughout the story, yet still is ultimately responsible for Adam and Eves sin. Satan can easily be classified as a hero in this story, as well as the main antagonist, depending on the viewpoint of the reader. Milton introduces Satan as an important†¦show more content†¦Because of the strict rule of God in this situation, Satans rebellion is made to seem heroic. He is standing up against the rule of a tyrant, and helping and encouraging others to do the same. Part of the reas on Satan in considered such a good leader in this story is because of his ability to persuade his followers through his powerful speeches. In Book II, he gives a long yet powerful speech describing his plan to ultimately defeat God. Two of his followers, Belial and Moloch, are debating whether or not they should try to go to was against God or not. Satan then, rather charismatically, convinces them of a foolproof strategy. He has learned of Gods plan to create Earth and the human race. Satan says that the best way to defeat God is to destroy this. Satan is in a sense preaching to the â€Å"underdog,† convincing his followers that they have a chance to defeat God: â€Å"To suffer, as to do, Our strength is equal; nor the law unjust That so ordains. This was at first resolved, If we were wise, against so great a foe Contending, and so doubtful what might fall. â€Å" (Milton 35). This speech is quite positive and uplifting; Satans followers are even more encouraged by their leader. Satan is also a great military leader, yet not quite powerful enough to defeat God. Overall, Satan is portrayed in this poem as â€Å"a character so real and so human one cant help but be drawn to him† (Wallace). Whether the reader takes theShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of Paradise Lost1224 Words   |  5 Pages In the epic poem Paradise Lost, author John Milton explores the familiar topics of Heaven and Hell, good and evil, God and Satan; but from a new and [for some] disturbing angle. Overflowing with an abundance of metaphors, extended similes, and countless other literary elements, combined with a rather understanding—and at times, compassionate—tone, Milton challenges society’s comfortable position surrounding the terrible figure of Satan. He treads ever so warily among this to pic, but neverthelessRead MoreFeminist Analysis Of Paradise Lost By John Milton1124 Words   |  5 PagesAkejah McLaughlin Professor Jennifer Rohrer-Walsh HON 2010 7 November 2017 Feminist Analysis of Paradise Lost The Book of Genesis is an introductive biblical passage in the Old Testament that summarizes the creation of the universe, humanity, and the downfall of man. Writer John Milton gives an alternate version of this phenomenon in his epic Paradise Lost that illustrates not only the consequences of disobedience from God, but the distinct gender differences between men and women. Through theRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost 1852 Words   |  8 Pagesliterary merit. Do not merely summarize the plot. (2010 AP Literature and Composition) Disobedience and Exile an Analysis of Satan from Milton’s Paradise Lost John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, has been the subject of criticism and interpretation through many years; these interpretations concur in that Adam and Eve are the sufferers of the poem, and it is their blight to lose Paradise because of their disobedience; however, their exile is merely a plight brought by Satan, and it is he who suffersRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost Essay2201 Words   |  9 PagesEve’s story arc in Paradise Lost, by John Milton, is a bildungsroman, the German word for a â€Å"novel of education.† Eve develops through the five stages of a typical bildungsroman character, as demonstrated by several different works from the genre. It will be useful to discuss several different bildungsromans from different eras and regions to fully determine the necessary characteristics of a bildungsroman, like The Odyssey, To Kill a Mockingbird, David Copperfield, Adventures of Huckleberry FinnRead More Analysis of Satans Speech in i n John Miltons Paradise Lost1010 Words   |  5 PagesAnalysis of Satans Speech in Miltons Paradise Lost      Ã‚  Ã‚   John Miltons Paradise Lost is a work of enduring charm and value because of its theological conceptions, its beautiful language, and its updating of the epic to the modern worlds values. Book II of this epic poem opens with Satans speech to his minions in hell, proposing war on Heaven itself. In these first 44 lines, Satan is clearly established as epic hero, but at the same time is theologically/morally denounced by theRead MoreAnalysis Of John s Milton s Paradise Lost 1636 Words   |  7 Pages This is but one example of Satan’s sympathy toward humanity in Paradise Lost, John’s Milton’s epic poem that details Satan’s involvement in tempting Adam and Eve to rebel against God, and thus be punished with expulsion from the Garden of Eden. In both Christian and Jewish doctrines, Satan is often painted as a malevolent, treacherous being. Further, many readers often view Satan’s decision to tempt Adam and Eve in Paradise Lost as on e that comes from a place of cruelty rather than concern. InRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s Paradise Lost 1606 Words   |  7 PagesIn books one, two, four and nine of Paradise Lost, Milton portrays Satan as heroic, introducing freedom and reason to the minds and lives of humanity. Satan allows his subservient fallen angels, as well as Adam and eve to recognize authority, reason and the true meaning of freedom. The beginning of the story is told through Satan’s point of view, making him the first empathetic character the reader is introduced to. From the very beginning of Book One, Satan explains how him and other fellow angelsRead MoreAnalysis Of John Orwell s Paradise Lost 882 Words   |  4 Pagesrecognize multiple examples of conventions in different texts. While each text may not have the same message, they all utilize epic conventions to help communicate a specific message or lesson. In Paradise Lost, Milton effectively uses the conventions of epics to justify the ways of God to humanity. Paradise Lost includes most if not all of the conventions of epics, however several conventions in particular are the ones that best communicate Milton s message. The first convention is a legendary hero whoRead MoreCharacter Analysis Of Adam And Eve In Paradise Lost1567 Words   |  7 PagesOne of Milton’s most compelling interpretations in Paradise Lost and it’s the story o f the creation involve its very first embodiments of mankind, Adam and Eve. The poem’s first depiction of Adam and Eve in their unfallen paradise accentuates their nobility, dignity and perfection, their unfallen aristocratic posture as they rule over the sacred garden of Eden. In this state of innocence, Adam and Eve discover themselves and eventually one another, allowing them to explore and interpret their ownRead MoreAnalysis Of John Milton s The Of Paradise Lost 1122 Words   |  5 Pages Adam and Eve’s Dilemma in Eden The tragic fall of humankind could be considered heroic according to well-known author John Milton. Book IX of Paradise lost portrays this sense of heroism through the sins of Adam and Eve, but also creates a sense of controversy through the unexpected personality swap between Satan and of God. This literary work is a major contribution to biblical and literary history; therefore a reason why this work is still read today. The poem must turn tragic, and Milton asserts