Before: This is where people begin to have conflicting opinions about how far the positive representations of Satan should go within the writing. Is it not counter-intuitive to the Judeo-Christian religion to think of Satan in a positive light within any situation, even fictitious midrash? This is the problem that many have faced, and the responses are varied. Many people prefer not to read Paradise Lost as anti-imperial, because if it is, then that would put God in an antagonist’s position and Satan as the relatable hero.
After: This is where the conflicting opinions begin. Of course, Judeo-Christians should not think of Satan in a positive light, even if it is fiction! Paradise Lost as anti-imperial would be ridiculous since it paints God as the antagonist and Satan as a relatable hero!