Character Analysis (OCR A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Character Analysis

Introduction to characters in Paradise Lost

Milton crafted his characters to represent important ideas and debates from his time. Understanding how these characters work both individually and in relation to each other is essential for your study of the poem.

Characters in Paradise Lost are symbolic, meaning they embody particular concepts and values. When analysing them, you should consider several key aspects:

This approach will help you develop a thorough understanding of how Milton uses characterisation to explore complex moral and philosophical questions.

Satan

Milton portrays Satan as a figure of remarkable intelligence and magnetic charisma. His rebellion against divine authority and his calculated plan to corrupt humanity reveal his cunning nature and strategic thinking. However, Satan's brilliance is undermined by his overwhelming pride and arrogance, along with his stubborn refusal to accept God's authority. These character flaws ultimately lead to his damnation.

Satan as an epic hero

Milton deliberately gives Satan qualities traditionally associated with epic heroes, such as courage, eloquence and leadership. This is evident in his rebellion against divine authority and his persuasive speeches that rally his followers. However, this portrayal is deeply ironic. Whilst Satan possesses heroic characteristics, his defiance against fate leads not to glory but to tragedy. Milton creates a striking contrast between Satan's seemingly heroic qualities and the ultimate futility of his endeavours.

Another layer of irony emerges from the gap between Satan's self-perception and reality. He views himself as a noble hero fighting against tyranny, but readers can see the depths of his deception and his catastrophic fall from grace. This disconnect between perception and truth highlights the dangerous self-delusion at the heart of Satan's character.

Satan's manipulation and internal conflict

Satan's refusal to accept divine providence, whilst it demonstrates free will, only serves to deepen his fall. Through Satan's character, Milton raises important questions about the nature of free will, showing how Satan's choices lead him towards self-destruction. This challenges the Renaissance view that free will was an unquestionable virtue, suggesting instead that free will can be misguided and destructive.

Satan's encounters with Eve demonstrate his skill at exploiting human weaknesses. His manipulation reveals his shrewd understanding of human desires and fears. Yet Satan experiences an internal struggle, torn between his malevolence and his appreciation for Eden's beauty. This makes him a tragically flawed character – his admirable ambition and pride ultimately lead to his eternal damnation and humanity's downfall.

Satan's relatability

Satan's nobility is tragically undermined by hubris – his excessive pride and unwavering confidence in his own abilities blind him to the consequences of his actions. Despite his rebellion stemming from a desire for freedom, his refusal to accept responsibility for his choices reveals deep moral ambiguity. His despair transforms into the driving force behind his escalating evil; rage and irrationality consume him, compelling him to embrace wickedness as though it were a virtue.

Adam

Adam, as the First Man created by God, holds a position of unquestionable authority. Crafted in the divine image, he is endowed with intellect, wisdom and strength. Yet Milton presents Adam as a tragic figure who struggles with temptation, falls from innocence, and embarks on a difficult journey towards self-awareness and redemption.

Adam's existential questions

Despite his exalted status as the First Man, Adam experiences existential discontent – he questions why he was created and expresses frustrations and disillusionment with the world around him. His inquiries to the angel Raphael about creation and the vastness of the universe hint at a growing temptation, suggesting his innate desire to explore the forbidden knowledge that lies within the Tree of Knowledge.

Adam and Eve's relationship symbolises innocence and purity in Paradise. However, Adam succumbs to temptation, leading to their shared exile. His innate goodness and pure intentions make his subsequent fall from grace even more poignant and tragic.

Adam's response to the Fall

Adam confronts the consequences of his actions with deep remorse and sorrow, reflecting his moral integrity. He mourns not only for the paradise they have lost but also for all of humanity, which will inherit the consequences of their Fall.

Despite this internal struggle, Adam maintains a degree of self-discipline. Aware of the consequences of their disobedience, Adam seeks redemption and forgiveness. This demonstrates his commitment to his relationship with God and his moral character.

Eve

Eve is initially depicted as subservient to Adam, having been fashioned from his rib. Whilst Milton gives Eve her own distinctive qualities, her creation reinforces the hierarchical order prevalent in both the Biblical narrative and the societal norms of Milton's time. The act of creation itself embodies male dominance and female subordination.

Eve's complexity and independence

However, despite her subservient role, Milton portrays Eve as a complex character with her own desires, thoughts and motivations. She is presented as a woman who possesses the capacity for independent reasoning, questioning and decision-making. Eve's actions, particularly her decision to eat the forbidden fruit, therefore challenge traditional gender roles.

Eve demonstrates a desire for independence and knowledge, which could be interpreted as a longing for freedom from societal constraints. She exhibits curiosity and strong will, and desires to explore the world and gain wisdom. Her independence represents a departure from the submissive and obedient role expected of women during Milton's era.

Interpreting Eve's temptation

Eve is generally blamed for the Fall, and her disobedience is seen as the source of all human suffering. However, she questions Adam and makes her own decisions, demonstrating independence of thought and action. This portrayal of Eve as a rational and independent individual challenged the prevailing notion of women as inferior and subordinate.

Satan's exploitation of Eve

Satan exploits traditional gender stereotypes to deceive Eve. He recognises and exploits the vulnerability associated with Eve's femininity. Eve's vanity is evident in her fascination with her own reflection and her desire for self-admiration.

God the Father

God the Father is depicted as a divine figure who demonstrates both justice and mercy in response to the events in Eden. These two aspects of His character work together to create a complete picture of divine authority.

God's justice

God's justice is evident in the consequences He imposes on Adam and Eve for their disobedience. They are expelled from Eden and humanity is sentenced to a life of hardship and mortality. This punishment reflects God's adherence to the principle of justice. His justice conveys the seriousness of the disobedience and establishes a moral framework for the entire poem.

God's mercy

Despite their Fall, God shows Adam and Eve mercy by allowing them to live and reproduce. God also hints at the eventual redemption of humanity through the promise of a future Messiah. This act of mercy illustrates God's benevolence and love for His creations despite their disobedience.

God's omnipotence and omniscience

God's omnipotence (all-powerfulness) and omniscience (all-knowingness) are depicted throughout the poem. His omniscient nature is evident in His awareness of Satan's plot and His ability to foresee the course of human history. God's omnipotence is demonstrated in His ability to execute His divine plan despite the rebellion of His creations. This reinforces His supreme authority and control over all things.

God the Son

Milton depicts God the Son as the embodiment of sacrificial love. His willingness to incarnate as a mortal human being exemplifies his selflessness. This sacrificial gesture signifies divine love in its purest form and illustrates God the Son's willingness to bear the burden of humanity's sin.

The Son's role and significance

Milton uses God the Son to explore the theme of predestination and questions about fate, choice and the nature of God's divine plan. The Son embodies God's active presence in the world. Whilst God the Father remains in Heaven, the Son takes on the active role of casting out Satan and his fallen angels. The Son serves as the vital link between God the Father and His creation, bridging the gap between the divine and the earthly realms.

The Son's compassion

The Son's interactions with Adam and Eve are marked by understanding and empathy. His ability to see beyond their transgressions and offer hope and guidance humanises his divine nature. Through this sacrifice, God the Son provides hope and redemption, despite the despair caused by Adam and Eve's Fall. He provides assurance of future salvation through prophecies about his eventual victory over sin and death.