Demonic Heroism The Psychoanalysis Of Satan Essay

Demonic Heroism: The Psychoanalysis of Satan The epic poem Paradise Lost recounts the creation of life through the actions of Satan, also known as Lucifer, with god and his newer children: Adam and Eve. In the first half of Milton’s epic poem, Satan is first viewed a hero; courageous, a leader of fallen angels. He is prideful and determined in pursuing what he believes to be true which is why Satan rose off the lake of fire and challenges God while he delivered his heroic speech. Satan went on about how â€Å"to be weak is to be miserable† (I.157) and that â€Å"the mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven† (I. 254-255). Satan wanted to be different than God which is why he challenged him and his authority, not because he was deceptive, rebellious, or hateful, although he does show all three of these characteristics later on in the story. After God sent Satan and his followers into perpetual exile, he would accept the condi tions he was forced into; claiming that it’s â€Å"better to reign in hell than serve in heaven† (I. 263). Satan continued to show his heroic characteristics while he continues to strive for both equality and fairness between good and evil, which is why he and the other fallen angels’ took part in a conversation to plot against god in book 2 where he asked them â€Å"by what best way, whether of open war or covert guile, we now debate; who can advise, may speak† (II. 40-42). Among the fallen angels’ suggested courses of action,