The English romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley once made the following statement about Paradise Lost: Nothing can exceed the energy and magnificence of the character of Satan as expressed in Paradise Lost. It is a mistake to suppose that he could ever have been intended for the popular personification of evil.

In light of this statement, examine the claim that Satan in Paradise Lost is not merely evil personified but rather a misunderstood character. Develop an argument for or against the claim using evidence from the text. Answer in five or six paragraphs.