Why do you think Milton feels the need to tell Satan’s perspective? Who do you think is portrayed as the hero? Why? ( MEG 101 ) ( PARADISE LOST- BOOK 1 ),

Milton's decision to include Satan's perspective in 'Paradise Lost' serves a number of purposes. First, it adds depth and complexity to the poem's theological themes by exploring the motivations and psychology of Satan, who is one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in Christian mythology. By showing us the world from Satan's point of view, Milton invites us to empathize with him and to consider the possibility that his rebellion against God was motivated by more than just pride or malice. This, in turn, adds to the poem's overall sense of moral ambiguity and uncertainty.

Second, by portraying Satan as a complex and multifaceted character, Milton is able to explore some of the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the nature of free will, the relationship between good and evil, and the purpose of suffering. Satan becomes, in a sense, a tragic hero, a figure who is flawed but also admirable in his defiance of tyranny and his pursuit of knowledge and self-determination. By showing us the nobility and heroism of Satan, Milton challenges us to think about the limits of our own moral judgments and to consider the possibility that good and evil may be more complex and intertwined than we usually assume.

In terms of who is portrayed as the hero in 'Paradise Lost', the answer is not straightforward. On the one hand, the poem is clearly sympathetic to Satan and portrays him as a complex and multifaceted character. On the other hand, the poem is ultimately a Christian epic, and its ultimate goal is to affirm the sovereignty and goodness of God. In this sense, the true hero of the poem is God himself, who is portrayed as a wise and benevolent ruler, and whose victory over Satan is ultimately a victory for justice and righteousness.

Overall, Milton's decision to include Satan's perspective in 'Paradise Lost' is a bold and innovative move that adds depth, complexity, and moral ambiguity to the poem's theological themes. While Satan is portrayed as a tragic hero, the ultimate hero of the poem is God himself, whose wisdom and goodness triumph over the forces of evil.