Milton’s use of Satan as the elevated hero gives his poem, and more specifically the divine conflict he portrays, more credibility. This is because Milton’s heroic portrayal of Satan elevates him, in the reader’s eyes, to become a threatening opponent to God. Milton’s intention to use Satan in this way is exacerbated when it is considered that Satan in fact translates to ‘the adversary’ in Hebrew. As Sir Walter Raleigh argued ‘His very situation as the fearless antagonist of Omnipotence makes him either a fool or a hero, and Milton is far indeed from permitting us to think him a fool.’ Raleigh’s argument is justified when the contextual elements are considered, as during the 17th century, religion was an unavoidable feature of everyone’s lives and God was seen as an unquestionable power, which resulted in many fearing him. Therefore, if Milton were to focus his poem on the confrontation and usurp of God’s rule, then he needed a strong character to lead the opposition. Milton’s desire to use Satan in this way is expressed through the character’s own admissions, as Satan, during his numerous speeches not only compares himself to God, but questions his power altogether. Satan states his plan to ‘deifie this power’ as he and his army are ‘in arms not worse, in foresight much advanc’t.’ This clearly contradicts two believed truths of the time: that of God’s omnipotence and also his omniscience. This is because Satan believes that the army he has assembled before him, comprised of fallen angels, is sufficient to dethrone God and that now, God no longer has surprise in his favour. This suggestion is more subtle than the first but; I believe it conveys a more important point. In Satan’s mind, the only reason that he was initially defeated was due to the fact that he was unaware of the capabilities of God, but now he has experienced the ‘tyranny of Heav’n.’ In doing this, Milton indirectly challenges the omniscience that was thought to be held by God, as he portrays Satan as having knowledge that exceeds God.
Despite this opposition, Milton is careful to ensure he makes Satan fallible, to avoid any heretic readings of his poem. This is achieved through another pivotal feature of a tragic hero, their hubris. This is excessive pride or ambition that ultimately leads to the downfall of the hero. This pride, which is evident throughout the text, clouds Satan’s previous heroic claims and demonstrates to the reader that Satan is in fact not capable of challenging God effectively. This is exemplified on the very first page of the poem, as Satan ‘trusted to have equal’d the most High.’ Here Milton uses a subtle paradox to convey the flaws in Satan’s character, as it is a logical impossibility to equal what is most high. In doing this, the reader is given the sense that Satan’s pursuit of retribution is futile, and this invokes pathos. This is because Milton’s use of dramatic irony preludes to Satan’s downfall in the poem. It also appears that Satan is somewhat aware of this flaw as well as he is described as ‘Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair.’ The concept that Satan is attempting to conceal his disappointment and ‘despair’ is an inherently human characteristic, and this once again demands pity from the reader. This use of Satan as an object of pity allows Milton to introduce human characteristics to his epic poem, which is a difficulty when it is considered that his setting is beyond human realms. This is an important element for his poem to contain, as it is a necessary measure to engage the reader. So another use of Satan by Milton is to represent and resultantly associate with human characteristics, in an attempt to emotionally engage his reader.
By portraying Satan as the most human character in Book One, Milton is able to use him as a vehicle to represent contextual issues. During the 17th century, the monarchy had a firm grip on politics and power, but Milton’s own beliefs and loyalties lay with Cromwell and the republican movement. This political ideology is represented clearly in Satan’s speeches, as he frequently refers to the oppressive nature of heaven. As demonstrated previously, Satan already believed in the ‘tyranny of Heav’n’ and these tyrannous actions are demonstrated by Milton. ‘That Glory never shall his wrath or might/ Extort from me’ is one reference to this idea, and it alludes to the role of the monarchy at the time. This is by suggesting that those with power use it to extort and corrupt. When considered in the context of the time, this can be interpreted as a criticism of the English monarchy, which had to be conveyed subtly in order to avoid treason.
So as demonstrated, the use and functions of Satan are not limited to that of the ‘Arch-Enemy.’ Through his elaborate descriptions, but subtle hints, Milton is able to set-up the epic battle between God and Satan, and in doing this in Book One he is able to effectively engage the reader in his epic poem.
by
vito (student)
