Paradise Lost: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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===Satan===

[[Satan]], formerly called [[Lucifer]], is the first major character introduced in the poem. He was once the most beautiful of all angels, and is a tragic figure who famously declares: "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven." Following his failed [[War in Heaven|rebellion]] against [[God in Christianity|God]], he is cast out from Heaven and condemned to Hell. Satan's desire to rebel against his creator stems from his unwillingness to be subjugated by God and his Son, claiming that angels are "self-begot, self-raised,"<ref>{{Harvnb|Milton|1674}}, [[s:Paradise Lost/Book V|5:860]].</ref> and thereby denying God's authority over them as their creator.

Satan is deeply arrogant, albeit powerful and [[charism]]atic.{{Citation needed|date=February 2016}} Satan's persuasive powers are evident throughout the book; not only is he cunning and deceptive, but he is also able to rally the fallen angels to continue in the rebellion after their agonizing defeat in the Angelic War. He argues that God rules as a tyrant and that all the angels ought to rule as gods.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{Harvnb|Milton|1674}}, [[s:Paradise Lost/Book V|5:794–802]].</ref> Though commonly understood to be the antagonizing force in ''Paradise Lost'', Satan may be best defined as a tragic or Hellenic hero. According to William McCollom, one quality of the classical tragic hero is that he is not perfectly good and that his defeat is caused by a tragic flaw, as Satan causes both the downfall of man and the eternal damnation of his fellow fallen angels despite his dedication to his comrades. In addition, Satan's Hellenic qualities, such as his immense courage and, perhaps, lack of completely defined morals compound his tragic nature.<ref>McCollom, William G. ―The Downfall of the Tragic Hero.‖ College English 19.2 (1957): 51- 56.</ref>