Unlike
the Lucifer in Dante’s Inferno, John
Milton’s version of Lucifer in Paradise
Lost is portrayed through actual dialogue that constructs the devil as a
tragic character who is both cunning and deceptive. Since Lucifer is a dynamic
character who struggles to overcome his own weaknesses as he tries to corrupt
humankind in Paradise Lost, Milton’s
Lucifer changed the depiction of the devil from a passive symbol of evil to a
dynamic expression of evil through Lucifer’s sly and deceptive dialogue. Ironically,
Satan’s quest could be considered admirable after Milton introduces Lucifer in
Book I as a revolutionary who is rebelling against God by claiming that angels
are independent beings that should not be subjects of God’s tyranny. By making Lucifer’s
basic goal the rebellion against tyranny, Milton allows the character of the
devil to resonate with readers instead of just being perceived as a vaguely
evil figure. Lucifer’s quest resonates with readers because he shows that he values
independence, a principle that many individuals are sympathetic to, by stating
that, “we know no time when we were not as now; know none before us,
self-begot, self-raised by our own quickening power, our puissance is our own,
our own right hand shall teach us highest deeds” (Milton V. 859-61). Milton’s republican
sentiments to overthrow the King of England and achieve better representation
of the people through parliament also resonate with Satan’s goal of gaining
respect and acknowledgment from God. By humanizing Lucifer, Milton changes the construction
of the devil in literature from a static symbol of evil to a dynamic character
who expresses deeply human principles and resonates with readers. Lucifer’s
quest is simply to be free as he states that, “[In Hell] at least we shall be
free; the Almighty hath not built here for his envy, will not drive us hence:
here we may reign secure; and, in my choice, to reign is worth ambition, though
Hell: better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” (Milton I. 258-63). In Paradise Lost, Lucifer’s personality,
weaknesses, and goals make the devil a more valuable character that connects
with and charms readers. Milton’s characterization of Lucifer paved the way for
other interpretations of the devil as a cunning and deceptive being in books
such as Goethe’s Faust, Mark Twain’s The Mysterious Stranger, and Stephen
King’s The Stand.
Works
Cited
Milton, John. Paradise Lost. New York: Norton, 1975.
Print.
Well done Casey. I too believe the idea that Milton's characterization of Lucifer is the largest reason as to why this depiction of Satan stands out against the stereotypical figure of pure evil. By providing reasons like the struggle for independence against God, the readers are drawn in to Lucifer's cause and even become sympathetic towards him and his fallen angels. Although Lucifer still has many terrible qualities that make it difficult to put him on an equal level with other characters, the reader is almost led to believe that Lucifer's actions against God were justified. Since few other writers in the past have attempted this type of characterization for such an evil figure, Milton's writing style and description for Lucifer are easily able to stand out.
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