Milton dedicated his whole life to the struggle against evil and good. It is obvious in his epic poem, “Paradise Lost,” as well as in his political battles against Royalists and Presbyterians who sought to mandate religion. Both were terrible evils to Milton, who was a Puritan supporter. Both had the potential to undermine the freedom that Puritans claimed to have cherished. Milton believed so and gave his hand to help the cause of his country. But, ultimately, it is up to the person who sees the evil. This can be influenced by both religious and political values. Milton was already familiar with darkness by the time Paradise Lost was created. His own religious and political beliefs were distorted and he felt isolated from society. Paradise Lost also shows Milton’s Satan as a somewhat strong character. The “apostate angel” is described by Milton as an underdog. His tragic grandeur can be interpreted to justify sympathy (I.125). Satan, though an “infernal dragon”, is a man of noble virtues. He fights for equality and victory in his quest (I:34). He is even more like Achilles in his unwavering pride. This arrogance is what drives all of his “heroic,” ideas and actions. Milton’s Satan of “Paradise Lost,” however, should not regarded as an hero.
The Arch-Enemy does not speak a word in “Paradise Lost” without an ulterior motive. That is, to overthrow Heaven. Satan, having been thrown out of the divine realms God’s, is resilient. He quickly gathers his fellow fallen angels to begin a plan B. He sings on the lake-of-fire while he talks to Beelezbub, and he insists that he will not be forgiven. He and his group of demons were defeated but Satan still fantasizes of untold power and success. He acts as a military warrior and inspires his troops to join him in declaring “We shall be Free” (I.259). His efforts to find an acceptable plan of action in the political debate may seem diplomatic and justified, but Satan uses it to deceive the masses and conceal his true agenda. Beelezbub explains Satan’s strategy, using a rhetoric that appeals to the masses and appears to be somewhere in between Moloch and Mammon. This decision provides Satan with an opportunity to nominate himself for the voyage. (II: 427-429). Milton cleverly depicts Satan as a hero who displays the virtues usually associated with heroes. Milton mocks self-righteousness as one of the most deplorable qualities. Satan is the ‘great fool’. Milton fought against monarchy who abused power they claimed to have “divine rights.” Milton’s Second Defense of the People of England describes his definition of true liberty. It is possible for an evil act to appear good, but the way it was done justifies the outcome. This scene is both funny and shows Milton’s cynicism regarding political establishments. Ironically though, Milton falls prey too his own arrogance when he mocks the arrogance of English monarchy and their belief that kings are divinely appointed.
Milton claims that “Paradise Lost,” would be the greatest epic poem ever written. His song would “soar/above the Aonian mount, as it pursues/things not yet attempted in prose and rhyme” (I: 16-17). While he always succeeds, Milton insists that the Holy Spirit sent him the epic. William Blake, another poet who is also a political activist, said Milton was “a true Poet of the Devils party without realizing it”. Blake has great respect and admiration for Milton but points out how Milton mirrors the characteristics of his “Devil’s club” creation. Milton is a mirror of his Satan in his arrogance and deceitful mannerisms. Milton believed that his poetic gifts were not as divinely inspired and he too desired admiration.
Milton’s aim in “Paradise Lost”, was to justify God’s ways to men, but Satan is the focus of most of the poem. Milton’s Satan has a guiltily tangible nature, which is a contrast to the God we see as being inexplicable throughout “Paradise Lost.” We are familiar with and even respect his qualities. Heroic figures such as Odysseus and Achilles are well-known for being arrogant in some respects. Perhaps it is this increased self-confidence that makes them so comforting. Milton cleverly weaves a belief in Satan as the protagonist to show that heroes are not necessarily those with noble motives.