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   kplhardison Student
   Graduate School

   eNotes Editor

   Book I of John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost describes Satan as utterly dismayed to be thrown form the realm of light to a place of dark and suffering [85]. Satan has been left his spirit and strength in entirety [146]. He suffers feelings of pity and remorse for having brought the rebel angels with him to the outer place of darkness [90]. He bolsters himself and his courage by vowing that they will "do ought good never" but always do ill, which will be their "sole delight" [160]. Satan is confident that the Almighty won't drive them from where they now find themselves and demonstrates his determination to reign all-powerful where they now are and deems it better than serving God in Heaven amidst light and glory [262-3].
   
   Though Satan is described by some as the hero of Paradise Lost, two things argue against Satan as hero, though Milton does make him sympathetic by endowing him with feelings of remorsefulness with pity and compassion for his rebel angels (he is, after all, still an angel). However, though sympathetic, Satan always dispels these higher, selfless qualities with determination to do harm and eventually avenge himself. The two things that argue against Satan as hero are: (1) Milton's description of him in Book I, since the description shows that, although he has brilliant qualities, his spirit and heart are set on intentionally doing harm and leading others (angels who also still have their angelic qualities and callings) to continually do harm. (2) Though only hinted at in early books, The Son of God enters the story later on and is Milton's true hero. This early focus on the antagonist and delayed entrance of the protagonist hero may be confusing to modern readers because, in our experience, the hero normally enters the story on or near page one.

   For more information, there is a very good critical analysis available online at Scribd.com: John Milton's Paradise Lost Book 1: A Critical Analysis by Qaisar Iqbal Janjua.
   
   A very useful study aid is available from Professor Goucher: John Milton: Paradise Lost, Books I and II

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/paradise-lost/book-1-summary-analysis

   http://www.enotes.com/paradise-lost/historical-context

   http://www.enotes.com/paradise-lost/themes

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   Posted by kplhardison on Thursday November 5, 2009 at 8:32 AM