Literary works exploring the concept of Satan, Lucifer, Beelzebub, or similar adversarial figures offer diverse interpretations of evil. These range from theological treatises and philosophical inquiries to fictional narratives employing the figure as a symbolic representation of temptation, corruption, or rebellion. Examples include John Milton’s Paradise Lost, which examines the fall of Satan and humanity, and Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita, a satirical novel featuring the devil as a complex, ambiguous character.
Such narratives provide valuable insights into cultural and religious beliefs surrounding evil, morality, and the human condition. They can function as cautionary tales, explore the nature of free will and temptation, or offer social commentary through allegorical representations of societal ills. Historically, these narratives have played a significant role in shaping cultural understanding of good and evil, reflecting and influencing societal values and anxieties across different eras.
