Student Question
In Paradise Lost, is the epic hero Satan or Adam?
Quick answer:
In "Paradise Lost," Satan is considered the epic's protagonist, making him an antihero rather than a traditional hero. While he occupies the central role, he lacks the typical heroic qualities such as courage, honesty, and grace. This depiction reflects an antihero's characteristics, often seen in modern literature, highlighting weaknesses and moral ambiguity. In contrast, Adam does not fit the role of an epic hero, as the narrative primarily centers around Satan's actions and motivations.
The hero of a piece of literature is usually the protagonist, or main character. If that were the case with "Paradise Lost," then we'd have to say that Satan is the hero because he is the protagonist. However, he does not behave in the way a classical hero should. Satan, in this epic, is what we call an "antihero." That is, he is in the typical hero role, but he has none of the typical heroic qualities. The Columbia Encyclopedia describes the antihero as the
principal character of a modern literary or dramatic work who lacks the attributes of the traditional protagonist or hero. The anti-hero's lack of courage, honesty, or grace, his weaknesses and confusion, often reflect modern man's ambivalence toward traditional moral and social virtues.
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