In John Milton's "Paradise Lost" we are told the story of how Satan is condemned to Hell. Satan leads a rebellious battle against God, for he feels God is a tyrant. Satan loses the battle; therefore, God banishes him and his followers to Hell. While he is in Hell he discusses his situation with Beelzebub. They decide that it is better to be in charge of Hell then have to obey God in Heaven. In this story Satan portrays certain characteristics of a hero. He shows defiance, determination, and is a great leader. Satan is defiant because he sets himself up in opposition to God. He did not like the reign of God, for he felt he was a tyrant, so he ...view middle of the document...
He will not admit that God is more powerful then him. He is also not willing to give up, for it says, "all is not lost, the unconquerable will" (line 106). He also knows that he can not defeat God in battle but he will try and defeat him in deceit. He says, "to wage by force or guile eternal war irreconcilable to our grand Foe, who never triumphs" (line 121-123a). He will always take delight in doing evil and he will always counteract good with evil. He is also determined to turn Hell into his own Heaven. He says, "can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven" (line 255). Satan is also a leader because he had many followers in the rebellion he led against God. It states that, "with all his host of rebel angels" (line 37b-38a) he leads them against God. He had people who followed him and truly believed in his cause. They were willing to fight alongside him even though the consequences were quite high. He still has many followers even though they are condemned to Hell. Beelzebub still sees him as his leader and chief. Beelzebub calls him, "O Prince, O Chief of many throned powers" (line 128). Satan has many characteristics that we would associate with a hero. He is defiant because he went up and resisted God's rule and tried to take his throne. And even though he was damned to Hell he will always defy God. He is determined because he is not willing to give up and he is going to make the best out of Hell. He is a leader because he had many followers in his conquest against God. He also is seen as their leader even though they have been condemned to hell.