Heroic characteristics that Beowulf and Satan share include excellent leadership skills. Beowulf is able to rally an army and lead them to help defeat Grendel. Similarly, Satan is able to inspire and unite his followers again after their defeat. “For his revolt—yet faithful how they stood” (611). Even after their defeat and expulsion from heaven, Satan is able to convince his followers that all hope is not lost; they are loyal. The others in hell with Satan are responsive and listen when he speaks. “‘Awake, arise, or be for ever fall'n.’ [said Satan] They [Satan’s followers] heard, and were abasht, and up they sprung”(330). His followers still value his ideas and abide by what he says, as evident by them springing into action after Satan suggests they do so. I agree with Nicole and Vasilia that Satan’s sheer size indicates to his power, like most heroes their size shows their strength.
Milton characterizes Satan as heroic to make him a worthy opponent for God. God’s victory would not be so great had the opponent been defeated easily and without many attempts to overtake heaven. Satan does not view surrender as a possible option to ending the battle calling it “an ignominy and shame” (115). Satan’s disregard to defeat proves him a worthy opponent for battling God. I also agree with Vasilia's idea that showing Satan as a hero creates a complex plot issue, causing the reader to think about both God and Satan’s intentions and motivations. The characterization of Satan as a hero gives the reader freedom to make their own decisions as to who is the hero, based on the readers morals and ideals. The quote “Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n.” (263-264) brings up the idea is it better to lead something you believe in even if you are unsure if it is “good”, or is it better to follow what others believe is “good”.
-Charlotte Office
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