Discuss Satan as a Renaissance Hero

Answer

 What impression of Satan do you form from your reading Book-1 of “Paradise Lost?” 

Or, How does Milton portray Satan’s character in Book 1 of “Paradise Lost?” 

Or, Do you consider Satan the hero of Paradise Lost, Book 1? Show arguments in favour of your answer. 

Or, Discuss Satan as a hero possessing Renaissance qualities. 

Or, Discuss Satan as a Renaissance hero.

John Milton (1608-1674) is famous for his most popular epic, “Paradise Lost” (1667). In the epic poem, he describes the fall of Satan and the exclusion of Adam and Eve. In the Book 1 of “Paradise Lost”, Milton sketches Satan as a hero of the Renaissance. Milton defines Satan as the most powerful figure of the Renaissance. Let’s go far and find out the features that can prove Satan to be a Renaissance hero.

Adventurous Attitude: To present the character of Satan in front of the readers, Milton displays the chivalric and adventurous outlook of Satan. He is such a character who cannot bear to be a servant. He is a character who likes to lead. As he says,-

Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.

The above lines prove that Satan can live in a place like Hell. It is impossible for him to live in Heaven as a servant, though Heaven is a place of eternal peace.

Heroic Leadership: One of the features of the Renaissance is heroic leadership. It is developed through Satan so finely by Milton. Satan, as a leader and true protagonist, chooses to accept the harsh situation of Hell. He acts as a hero to the other fallen angels. Hell is now Heaven for him because at least no one is here to rule over him. He will reign here. He is the only king of this place. Meanwhile, Satan says,-

Farewel happy Fields

Where Joy for ever dwells: Hail horrours, hail

Classical Model: There was a trend in using the classical model of the character in English poetry. So,