John Milton- Major Literary Works

 

Exploring John Milton's Important Works

Introduction
John Milton (1608-1674) stands among the towering figures of English literature, famous for his deep exploration of theological, political, and humanistic themes. His works—spanning argumentative prose, lyrical poetry, and monumental epics—reflect the turbulent political climate of 17th-century England while expressing timeless questions about freedom, faith, and human frailty. This newsletter summarizes Milton’s key contributions, explaining fundamental literary terms and historical contexts to enhance understanding.

 

1. Introduction to Milton’s Legacy

Milton’s writing unites Renaissance humanism with Puritan fervor. His influences include:

1. Greek and Roman Classicism: Inspiration from Homer (epic structure), Virgil (moral gravity), and Sophocles (tragic tension).
2. Elizabethan Predecessors: Edmund Spenser’s Platonic ideals of virtue and beauty.
3. Puritan Theology: Focus on individual conscience, divine providence, and moral rigor.

Key Terms:

1. Puritan-Classicist: A union of Protestant austerity with classical literary forms. Milton balanced biblical themes with Greco-Roman aesthetics.
2. Theo-political: Writings intertwining religious doctrine and governance (e.g., critiques of church-state power).
3. Polemic: Aggressive argumentation against established norms (e.g., anti-monarchy tracts).

 

2. Prose Works

Milton deemed prose his "left-hand" endeavor but produced pivotal socio-political commentaries.

Early Prose:

• Prolusions: Academic practices at Cambridge (e.g., Oratio pro Arte, 1632), advocating intellectual camaraderie and lifelong learning.

Anti-Prelatic Tracts (1641–1642):

Five pamphlets attacking Episcopal hierarchy:

·         Of Reformation (1641): Condemned bishops as corrupt intermediaries between God and believers.

• An Apology against a Pamphlet (1642): A reply to Bishop Hall’s defense of episcopacy.

Key Terms:

·         Episcopal System: Church governance by bishops, which Milton saw as dictatorial.

• Prelacy: Church hierarchy granting bishops authority over clergy.

Divorce Tracts (1643–1645):

Affected by his marital strife, Milton argued for divorce on grounds of incompatibility:

• The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce (1643): Used biblical reinterpretation to challenge marital indissolubility.
• Tetrachordon (1645): Analyzed four Mosaic laws on marriage.

Major Works:

1. Areopagitica (1644):

·  Argument: Against pre-publication censorship ("Licensing Order" of 1643).

· Famous Quote: "Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature... but he who destroys a good book kills reason itself."

·   Significance: Foundational text for free speech advocacy.

2. Of Education (1644):

· Advocated holistic education blending classical studies (Greek/Roman authors) with military training.

·  Objective: To "repair the ruins of our first parents" through moral and intellectual rigor.

3. Eikonoklastes (1649):

· Context: Commissioned by Cromwell’s government to rebut Eikon Basilike (a memoir attributed to Charles I).

· Thesis: Exposed Charles I’s "hypocritical nature" and critiqued monarchy as inherently oppressive.

4. History of Britain (1670):

·         An unfinished chronicle synthesizing Bede, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and Holinshed’s Chronicles.

3. Poetry

Milton’s poetry combines classical formalism with Puritan spirituality.

Early Poems:

1. "On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity" (1629):
• Celebrates Christ’s birth as the triumph over paganism.
• Form: Hymn-like ode with intricate stanzaic patterns.
2. "On Shakespeare" (1630):
• Argues Shakespeare’s works are his true monument.
• Form: Heroic couplets (rhymed iambic pentameter).
3. "L’Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" (1632):
• Pastoral Lyrics: Idealize rural life and explore dual moods:

Ø  L’Allegro: Joyful celebration of mirth.

Ø  Il Penseroso: Melancholy’s intellectual depth.

Key Terms:

Ø  Pastoral: Genre romanticizing nature and simplicity.

Ø  Lyric Poem: Short, musical verse expressing emotion.

Comus (1634):

Ø  Subtitle: A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle.

Ø  Plot: A virtuous Lady resists the sorcerer Comus’s temptations.

Ø  Themes: Chastity as spiritual armor; evil’s seductive guise.

Ø  Form: Masque—Renaissance courtly entertainment blending poetry, music, and allegory.

"Lycidas" (1638):

Ø  Elegy for Edward King, drowned at sea.

Ø  Form: Pastoral Elegy—Uses shepherds/nature to mourn.

Ø  Innovation: Irregular rhyme and stanzaic structure mirroring grief.

Ø  Theme: Human achievement’s fragility vs. divine will.

Sonnets:

Ø  "On His Blindness" (1655):

·  Petrarchan Sonnet: 14 lines (octave + sestet) exploring faith amid despair.

·   Key Lines: "They also serve who only stand and wait."

Ø  "On the Late Massacre in Piedmont" (1655): Condemns Catholic violence against Protestants.

Major Epics:

1. Paradise Lost (1667):

Ø  Form: Blank verse epic (unrhymed iambic pentameter).

Ø Plot: Satan’s rebellion, Adam/Eve’s fall, redemption through Christ.

Ø  Themes: Free will, obedience, "justifying God’s ways to men."

Ø Structure: 12 books (originally 10) with invocations, epic similes, and in medias res opening.

o   Book I: Satan in Hell.

o   Book IX: The Fall.

o   Book XII: Expulsion from Eden.

Key Terms:

Ø  Blank Verse: Unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter (e.g., "Of Man’s first disobedience...").

Ø  Miltonic Verse: Grand, Latinate syntax and diction.

Ø  In Medias Res: Starting a narrative "in the middle."

2. Paradise Regained (1671):

Ø  Sequel: Christ’s resistance to Satan’s temptations.

Ø  Style: Simpler, less ornate than Paradise Lost.

3. Samson Agonistes (1671):

Ø  Form: Closet Drama (verse play not meant for staging).

Ø  Genre: Tragedy following Aristotelian unities (time, place, action).

Ø  Plot: Blind Samson’s spiritual renewal through self-sacrifice.

Ø  Theme: Faith restoring strength amid despair.

4. Literary Significance

Milton’s legacy endures through:

1. Innovations: Elevating blank verse to epic grandeur.
2. Themes: Liberty vs. tyranny, faith vs. doubt.
3. Quotes: Coleridge’s praise of his "musical" poetry; Hazlitt’s note on his "high standard."

His works remain vital for their exploration of human struggle and divine grace—a bridge between Renaissance humanism and Enlightenment inquiry.