John Milton's career as a writer, both in prose and poetry, took place during three main periods: Stuart England, the Civil War (1642-1648) and Interregnum (including the Commonwealth from 1649-1653 and Protectorate from 1654-1660), and the Restoration. His most important prose works were written in the 1640s and 1650s, during the conflicts between the Church of England and reformist groups like the Puritans, and between the king and Parliament.
These writings, called the antiepiscopal or antiprelatical tracts and the antimonarchical or political tracts, argued for freedom of thought and greater civil liberties, opposing both religious and political tyranny. In line with his belief in personal freedom, Milton wrote *Areopagitica* (1644), one of the strongest defenses of freedom of the press.
Paradise Lost, written by John Milton in 1667, is an epic poem that explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man, focusing on Satan's rebellion against God, the temptation of Adam and Eve, and their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden. One of the most significant aspects of the poem is Milton's complex portrayal of Satan, which has had a lasting influence on modern depictions of the devil.
Milton's Satan is a multifaceted character: charismatic, ambitious, defiant, and tragic. Although he is cast as the villain, he is given human traits such as pride, desire for freedom, and a sense of loss, which make him relatable to readers. Satan's famous declaration, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven," captures his rebellious spirit and has shaped how later literature, art, and popular culture depict him as a figure of resistance and defiance rather than pure evil.
This portrayal has profoundly influenced the way the devil is presented in modern works. Instead of being depicted solely as a one-dimensional symbol of evil, Satan is often shown as a tragic antihero or misunderstood figure in contemporary literature, film, and television. For example, characters inspired by Milton's Satan can be seen in works such as Lucifer (the TV series) and The Sandman by Neil Gaiman, where the devil is portrayed with depth, conflict, and a struggle against destiny.
Milton's nuanced depiction of Satan opened the door for modern creators to explore the complexities of evil, free will, and rebellion, making Paradise Lost a lasting influence on how the devil is interpreted in culture today
