"In writing Paradise Lost, Milton was of the Devil's party without knowing it." Comment on the view, keeping in mind the first Book of the poem.

It was William Blake who observed that Milton belonged to the Devil's party without knowing it. The remark implies that Milton unconsciously glorified Satan, especially in Book-I of Paradise Lost. This point of view is typical of the Romantic spirit, and it makes Satan the real hero of Paradise Lost. The Romantics admired indomitable courage and love of freedom, both of which Satan shows in