Paradise Lost – What Do We Learn About Satan’s Character from Line 84 To Line 191?

Miltons portrait of deuce has fascinated critics since Paradise Losts offset printing publication, leading some in the romantic period to claim that dickens is, in fact, the heroic protagonist of the whole work. Certainly Miltons description of fi eat up has smashingly influenced the devils image in western art and literature since the books publication. From lines 84 to 191 in Paradise Lost Book 1, we are introduced to the character of fiend, who has mediocre been hurled from heaven, beca drill he trusted to be in possession of equalled the Most High.As a reader, angiotensin converting enzyme primary meets a stunned heller, chained down to the fiery lake of hell, skirt by his co-conspirators. From lines 84 to 127, where Satan is speaking to his good friend, Beelzebub, Milton presents him as existence nostalgic about heaven, Myriads, though bright something one sees signifi burn downtly for the first and last time finishedout the poem. Satans great yearning for heaven is brief, and when at last suppressed, Milton offers a fine and revealing example of Satans rhetoric and quick-moving contradictions, as he instantly expresses excuses for his failure.Firstly, he declares that Till then who knew, the force of those dire munition? explaining how they were unaware of matinee idols powers before testing him. This is supportive evidence, backing up the pinch that Satan is the supposed Father Of Lies, as he is seen to be straight manipulating the truth. He manages to make He with his thunder sound as though God had taken unfair advantage by using an illegal weapon. Moreover, he never refers to God by his name, but as He, The potent victor, or Our grand foe.He makes a virtue out of his unwillingness to regret or change the very unwillingness which imprisons him timelessly in the hell of himself. frequently of what Satan says makes him sound grand and admirable because of the rhetorical force with which it is expressed, moreover when studied mo re closely it is seen to be more hollow, and even absurd. Satan claims that in the war against God, He shook his throne, and that the battle was dubious that it could have gone either way. This is obviously untrue, and again contributes to the image of him being a instead desperate liar.Satans remarkably obvious sense of optimism becomes greatly evident towards the end of his speech, where he describes all the positive things that have been the outcome of their war. Firstly he boasts of how they have now gained experience of Gods power through experience of this great event, and then he persuades himself they have learnt a lesson from defeat, and in foresight a good deal advanced, will do better next time in the eternal war. In my opinion however, Satans brave face is merely superficial.Beneath, he is racked with complex despair, his essential spiritual condition. His public face, is that of supreme dissembler, and it is impossible to know the intent to which he is deceived by his own rhetoric. This idea, creates effects of sympathy towards Satans character as it almost suggests that he is hopeless and possibly even doomed. Throughout this finicky speech, Milton in my opinion, indirectly forces juxtaposing emotions upon his readers in relation to the character of Satan being that of sympathy Vs admiration.The notioning of sympathy, as he seems so determined to be a successful leader, however it is clear that he does not in truth know himself where he is leading to. Even though one efficacy feel this pity, the admiration of his great fortitude to rebel against authority makes Satan more appealing and likable as a rebel. From lines 128 55, Beelzebub, the born second-in-command replies to Satan beginning by being sycophantic towards him, and then continuing the story that their rebellion had endangered god.In contrast to Miltons confident and optimistic portrayal of Satan, he presents Beelzebub in a much dimmer light characterisation him as bein g heavily depressed through the repetitive use of emotive language, using words such as destruction, misery, pain and fire. This key expiration in character highlights the extent of Satans sheer optimism in their situation, making him come on plausible for his determination and great courage, of which he appears to possess over the former(a) rebel angel.Following Beelzebubs pessimistic and sorrowful reply, Satan forcefully attacks him with a powerful and persuasive speech, desperately hoping to uplift his despair. From comments such as, to be weakly is miserable, one learns that Satan is determined to scotch such defeatist chatter and to abolish any sense of weakness. Although Satan shows signs of great commitment in his ambition to pervert Gods providence, I think that he knows in his heart that he is on a hiding to nothing and the worst he can do is cause God temporary inconvenience.Words such as disturb and perhaps grieve illustrate Satans rather poor plans to merely irritate God, with his language generally lacking the vigour one would expect from Satan. Although Satan lacks in the fiber of his plans, he does successfully manage to in-force a sense of time and tooshie as well as a feeling of unity, for example through Our enemy, Our Own loss. The effect of this is that it brings the rebels closer together reminding them that they have each-other, and therefore have a side.This shows us that Satan has great leadership skills, in that he holds the situation together and persuades his friends to follow his plans. Overall, I believe that from lines 84 to 191, Milton offers his readers an passing complex and diverse view of Satans character, indicating rather important aspects that his personality appears to dominate. As the image created is rather dependable, my personal attitude towards him so furthest is greatly ambiguous, feeling both attraction, and repulsion many people, it is relevant to add feel the same about snakes.The most notable aspects that have so far had effect shaping my view of his personality are his sheer courage and energy that he appears to have on such an enormous scale. However, when analysing the revalue of these qualities in themselves one is forced to question their significance. In actual fact, when canvass all major aspects of Satans character so far the discussion of him quick turns into a series of endless questions, which I hope will currently be answered as the poem develops.