Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair How does Milton Essay Example for Free

Vaunting aloud, but racked with deep despair How does Milton EssayMiltons heaven Lost is non only an exploration of classical events detailed in the Bible, but also a development of them. A dangerous feat, considering the dominant hold that religion had on 17th century England, Miltons epic poem dares to stray away from the literally believed stories of the Bible and delves into the unexplained and unknown. This is most apparent with his focus on brilliance and its sovereign match, as these two focal points of Book One are, for the most part, unreferenced in the Bible. However, without any previous scriptural guidelines or knowledge to follow, Milton was granted bountiful reign to develop the character of deuce as he wished, and this lead to him being intaked in a number of ways. As an epic poem, Paradise Lost requires the presence of a tragic hero. According to Aristotle, a tragic hero is a character of noble stature or greatness who experiences a downfall as a result of their own mistakes or flaws.This interpretation of the dramatic role demonstrates Miltons inability to place deity in this smirch as it would be seen as heresy, and as a result, he could not feature as the focal character of the poem. Therefore Milton required the use of a fallible character to act as the title-holder, so he cast morning star in this mind. In satisfying the role of the tragic hero and protagonist in his poem, Milton resultantly had to equip Satan with the necessary tools to fulfil his function as the poems hero.This is seen in the hyperbolic descriptions of his character and attributes as Satan had unconquerable Will and endurance never to submit or yield. Like the heroes of epics before him, Satan is displayed as possessing characteristics that elevate his nature above the rest of the poems characters, and it is these traits that put him in a position to oppose God. So Milton uses Book One and Satan to establish his protagonist and primary focus of the poem, and although this choice seems insignificant in the grand scheme of the poem, it acts as the stage for the rest of Satans acts.Miltons use of Satan as the elevated hero gives his poem, and more specifically the divine conflict he portrays, more credibility. This is because Miltons heroic portrayal of Satan elevates him, in the readers eyes, to become a threatening opp binglent to God. Miltons 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. Raleighs argument is justified when the contextual fragments are considered, as during the 17th century, religion was an unavoidable feature of everyones lives and God was seen as an unquestionable power, which resulted in many fearing him. Therefore, if Milton were to focus hi s poem on the confrontation and usurp of Gods rule, then he needed a strong character to lead the opposition. Miltons desire to use Satan in this way is expressed through the characters own admissions, as Satan, during his numerous speeches not only compares himself to God, but questions his power altogether.Satan states his contrive to deifie this power as he and his army are in arms not worse, in foresight much advanct. This clearly contradicts two believed truths of the time that of Gods 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 Satans mind, the only causal agency 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 o f Heavn. 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 non-conformist 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 Satans 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 rascal of the poem, as Satan trusted to have equald the most High. Here Milton uses a subtle paradox to convey the flaws in Satans character, as it is a logical impossibility to equal what is most high.In doing this, the reader is given the sense that Satans pursuit of retribution is futile, and this invokes pa thos. This is because Miltons use of dramatic irony preludes to Satans 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 sorrow 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 engulf 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 cen tury, the monarchy had a firm grip on politics and power, but Miltons own beliefs and loyalties lay with Cromwell and the republican movement. This political ideology is represented clearly in Satans speeches, as he frequently refers to the oppressive nature of heaven. As demonstrated previously, Satan already believed in the tyranny of Heavn 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 unfavorable judgment 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 riotous descriptions, but subtle hints, Milton is able to set-up the epic battle between Go d and Satan, and in doing this in Book One he is able to effectively engage the reader in his epic poem.