The tragic hero is a popular archetype in classical literature, usually referring to a character who embodies the qualities of a classical hero as well as a fatal flaw that dooms him to failure. In his epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton specifically illustrates Satan as a tragic hero, which is particularly evident during a scene in which he watches his defeated army of revolutionaries (lines 587-621). Milton is keen to emphasize the heroic aspects of the character by portraying Satan as a military commander and justifying Satan's revolt as necessary against an uncaring and punishing God. This scene also reveals a notable degree of pathos within the character, which causes the audience to feel sympathy towards him and his cause. Nevertheless, Satan is fatally flawed by his sense of exaggerated pride and, because his actions are motivated entirely by this attribute, Satan is prevented from embodying true heroism and is therefore a tragic figure in Paradise Lost. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay An element of Satan's character that solidifies his personality is his role as a military commander, a profession that often characterizes protagonists and heroes from before the war. Literature of Milton. The first line of this selected passage states: "Thus far these are beyond/Compared to mortal prowess, but observed/Their fearsome Commander" (587-89). While Milton praises the soldiers' efforts in this rebellion, he makes it clear that the real force to be reckoned with in this scene is Satan, who is here described with the telling word "dread." This choice of diction allows Satan to have the same fearsome presence as other literary war commanders, such as Titus Andronicus or Achilles. Milton goes on to say, “He, above the rest/In proudly eminent form and gesture,/Stood like a tower” (589-91). Milton again emphasizes the fact that Satan is a natural leader because of his ability to present himself as a force to be reckoned with. This allows Satan to be inherently intimidating in the same way as a military commander, presenting himself as a figure of fear and inspiration to his troops. The quote is also an example of how Milton uses language to illustrate the charisma with which he embodies the character of Satan. With this scene taking place so early in the text of Paradise Lost, there is no other way to see Satan than as a fearless hero who is a match for the almighty powers of God. The justification for Satan's actions to the reader is Milton's subtle portrayal of God. as a punitive force. The first example of this in this passage comes from the lines "but his face/Deep scars of thunder were deepened" (600), referring to the wounds acquired during Satan's recent revolution against heaven. Although Satan retains much of the natural beauty with which he was created, his scars mar his beauty and testify to God's punishing role in Book 1. God's punishment is brought up once again when Satan observes that his men “shall forever…have their fate in pain” because of their revolutionary actions against God. Although Milton does not give a reason for Satan's desire to revolt against God, the ongoing degree of punishment inflicted on these characters is evidence of a fearsome and merciless divine figure. Milton thus characterizes God as an antagonistic force, a figure who contrasts sharply with the heroic figure that Satan is portrayed as. This is how Milton,.