Jesus Christ as hero of Paradise Lost.

Characteristics of an Epic Hero An epic hero should be of a higher general

quality than the common man. Usually tougher, or a better fighter, but can be

simply superior in wit or intelligence. Shares personality characteristics with the

common man. Should be morally superior to the common

man despite any personal shortcomings. Often divinely favored. The trials undertaken by the hero are greater

than any facing an individual in normal life.

Jesus Christ as Epic Hero He was the Son of God so he possessed higher

general qualities than the common man. He was superior in strength as he casts Satan

and the rebel angels out of Heaven with only "half his strength”.

Christ was most divinely favored because he was the Son.

The greatest trail undertaken was by Jesus who offered his own life to redeem fallen mankind and offers to die for the sin of the world.

Role of Jesus in Paradise lost

Jesus The Son Of God is the character that has most heroic qualities.

The acting hand of God’s decision. Fights against rebellious angels and

throw them out of heaven. He makes himself the ransom for the

sin of man. At the end defeat the Satan and helps

Adam and Eve to regain paradise.

(A Brief Comparison)Satan Vs Jesus

Satan Vs JesusLUCIFER ( SATAN ) JESUS CHRIST ( THE SON )

Satan was superior to all angels before his fall.

Although he possessed good qualities but he also had pride and envy which was the reason of his downfall.

He disobeyed God , declared war against God and his creation.

Jesus was the son of God and was closer to God than Satan.

He possessed all the good qualities and suffered for the sin of others.

Remained true and loyal to God and was a savior of God creation.

Satan Vs JesusLUCIFER (SATAN) JESUS CHRIST (THE SON)

Willing to destroy the whole mankind for his own revenge.

All bad qualities were shown through his character.

For revenge Satan deceived mankind so they can suffer.

Willing to sacrifice himself to save mankind.

All the admirable qualities were shown through his character.

For salvation Jesus suffered and sacrificed himself so that mankind could be saved from suffering.

A brief comparison(Adam Vs Jesus)

ADAM JESUS CHRIST The first representative

of mankind. Disobeyed God by eating

forbidden fruit. Failed to control himself

from the temptation produced by Satan .

Became the reason of downfall of mankind.

The Son of God Forgives mankind for

their mistakes. Defeated Satan and

throws him in hell. Becomes the reason of

salvation of mankind.

The son(Jesus) the central figure.

The whole story revolves around The Son (Jesus).

Jesus became the reason for salvation of mankind.

Became human and accepts death to save mankind.

Defeats Satan and casts him into the hell.

Will eventually seal sin and death( offspring of Satan) in hell.

Some Critics Opinions Some of the critics are of the opinion that Satan is the

hero of Paradise lost. Some however, refused to believe that Milton could make the archfiend the hero of an epic which sought “ To justify the ways of God to men”. They say that either Christ, God or Adam should be taken as hero.

In views of these controversial opinions some Critics believe that there is no hero of paradise lost.

Addison also remarks that “he that looks for a hero in it, scratches for that which Milton never intended but if we will need fix the name of a hero upon any person in it, it is certainly the Messiah(Christ) who is the hero both in principal action and in the chief episodes”.

A broader view about Jesus Christ as hero.

If we look at paradise regain as continuation of Paradise lost we will come to know that Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero of this story.

The role of Jesus Christ as hero is somehow hidden in Paradise lost that comes out more clearly in Paradise Regain.

At the end evil is defeated by the hands of Jesus Christ and humanity is saved by his great act of sacrifice.