Milton's Satan: A Sublimely Dangerous Villain

In his epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton, through sublime narration, creates
his Satan as a sublimely dangerous villain in accordance with Pseudo-Longinus's five
principles of elevated language, as outlined in Book VIII of On the Sublime. In his
treatise, the philosopher delineates that the five principles for sublime expression are the
''power of forming great conceptions," the gift of "vehement and inspired passion," the
"formation of figures," the art of"noble diction," and an abi lity to produce "dignified and
elevated composition." Foundational to sublime composition and the excellent usage of
these principles is the gift of discourse. Milton, in his quest to "justify the ways of God
to men" (1.26), fulfills these requirements for the sublime. As the poet-narrator, he
demonstrates his mastery in transporting the audience into the realm of his imagination,
sublimely conceiving, creating, and portraying his Satan to be a dangerous villain.