The tragic hero is a popular archetype in classical literature, generally 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 illustrates Satan specifically as a tragic hero, which is most evident during a scene in which he observes his defeated army of revolutionaries (lines 587-621). Milton wishes to emphasize the heroic aspects of the character by portraying Satan as a military commander and justifying Satan's revolt as necessary against a callous and punitive God. This scene also reveals a remarkable degree of pathos in the character, which makes the audience feel sympathy for him and his cause. Nonetheless, Satan is fatally flawed by his exaggerated sense of pride and because his actions are driven entirely by this attribute, he is prevented from embodying true heroism and is therefore a tragic figure in Paradise Lost. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One element of Satan's character that solidifies his personality is his role as a military commander, an occupation that often characterizes the protagonists and heroes of pre-Miltonian literature. The first line of this choice passage states, “Hitherto these beyond/Compare mortal skill, yet have they observed/Their terrible 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 described here with the significant word "terror." This choice of diction allows Satan to have the same formidable 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 once again highlights the fact that Satan is a natural leader due to 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, representing 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 fits into the character of Satan. Because this scene takes place so early in the text of Paradise Lost, there is no other way to see Satan other than as an intrepid hero who is perfectly suited to the omnipotent powers of God. Justifying Satan's actions for the reader is the subtle Milton's portrayal of God. as a punitive force. The first example of this in this passage comes from the lines “but his face/The deep scars of thunder were entrenched” (600), referring to the wounds acquired from 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 are evidence of God's role as punisher in Book 1. God's punishment is once again alluded to when Satan observes that his men "forever...shall have their lot in sorrow" because of their revolutionary actions against God. Although Milton does not provide a reason for Satan's desire to rebel against God, the permanent degree of punishment inflicted on these figures is the evidence of a fearsome and ruthless figure of God. Milton therefore characterizes God as an antagonistic force, a figure in stark contrast to the heroic figure with which Satan is described. It is in this way that Milton justifies Satan's cause as a noble cause, similar to that of a revolutionary rebelling against a tyrannical monarch. The particular illustration of,.