JOHN MILTON

 JOHN MILTON

 

Introduction
John Milton was one of the greatest poets in English literature. He lived during the seventeenth century, a time of great political and religious change. He was born in 1608 and died in 1674. Milton’s writing reflects the spirit of the Puritan Age. He was a deeply religious man, a supporter of liberty, and a defender of the people’s rights. He wrote poetry, prose, and political pamphlets. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, which tells the story of the fall of man. Milton’s works are filled with grand ideas, strong moral vision, and deep knowledge of classical literature, the Bible, and history.

 

Early Life and Education

Milton was born in London. His father was a musician who supported his son’s education. Milton studied at St. Paul’s School and then at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He was a brilliant student who loved Latin, Greek, and philosophy. He read deeply in literature, religion, and politics. After university, he spent six years in study and writing at home. This period of quiet learning helped him become a powerful writer. He also traveled to France and Italy, where he met many famous scholars and artists. This journey widened his vision and strengthened his love for learning and liberty.

 

Major Works

Milton’s writings can be divided into three periods: early poetry, prose works, and later poetry.

 

In his early period, Milton wrote beautiful short poems. L'Allegro and Il Penseroso show two sides of life—joy and seriousness. Comus is a masque that combines music, poetry, and drama. It celebrates virtue and self-control. Lycidas is a pastoral elegy mourning the death of a young friend. These early poems show Milton’s classical style, rich imagination, and moral themes.

During the middle period, Milton wrote political and religious prose. He supported the Puritan cause during the English Civil War. He wrote pamphlets in defense of liberty, freedom of speech, and the right to divorce. His famous prose work Areopagitica (1644) is a strong defense of the freedom of the press. It is considered one of the finest works of English prose. He also wrote in support of the Commonwealth and against kingship. These works show his strong belief in reason, truth, and justice.

 

In his later period, Milton wrote his greatest poetry. After becoming blind in 1652, he dictated his poems to others. Paradise Lost (1667) is his epic masterpiece. It tells the story of Satan’s rebellion, Adam and Eve’s sin, and their loss of Eden. The poem explores themes of free will, temptation, obedience, and redemption. It is written in blank verse and full of majestic images. Milton also wrote Paradise Regained, which tells the story of Christ’s temptation, and Samson Agonistes, a tragic drama about the fall and rise of a strong man.

 

Themes in Milton’s Works

Milton’s works explore big ideas. His poetry and prose reflect his belief in God, justice, and freedom. He believed that humans are free to choose between good and evil. He respected reason but also believed in divine guidance. In Paradise Lost, Satan is shown as proud and rebellious, but Milton makes clear that pride leads to downfall. He gives importance to obedience and humility. He also celebrates the strength of the human spirit. Even after the fall, Adam and Eve are given hope of salvation.

Milton also believed in the power of education, knowledge, and moral virtue. He wanted literature to teach as well as delight. He praised purity, discipline, and personal responsibility. In Comus, the young lady resists temptation by using her virtue and reason. Milton’s works also reflect his support for political liberty and religious freedom. He wrote against tyranny and believed that government must serve the people. His writings show deep concern for truth, righteousness, and human dignity.

 

Style and Language

Milton’s style is grand, serious, and classical. His sentences are long and full of rich words. He used blank verse, which means unrhymed iambic pentameter. His language is full of Biblical, Latin, and Greek references. He used epic similes, long comparisons that enrich the meaning. His tone is noble and serious. He aimed to write poetry that would be read for all time. Some readers find his style difficult, but it rewards those who read with care.

Milton believed that the poet must be morally strong. He once said that a poet must “be a true poem” in life before writing poetry. He wanted his work to lift the human mind and touch the divine. His poetry mixes high intellect, deep emotion, and spiritual strength. He stands apart from earlier poets because of his powerful voice and serious message.

 

Milton and the Puritan Age

Milton represents the spirit of the Puritan Age, which was a time of religious reform, moral discipline, and political struggle. The Puritans wanted to purify the Church and society. They valued simplicity, seriousness, and truth. Milton shared these values. Though he admired classical beauty, he used it to serve Christian ideas. He did not believe in shallow art. His poetry teaches moral lessons and reflects his deep religious faith. Even though he wrote about ancient stories and myths, he always brought out their spiritual meaning. He used literature to fight for freedom and to praise God.

 

Legacy and Influence

John Milton’s influence on English literature is enormous. He is considered second only to Shakespeare. His use of blank verse influenced later poets like Wordsworth and Tennyson. His defense of liberty inspired thinkers and writers in later centuries. His view of Satan as a tragic rebel influenced Romantic poets like Blake and Shelley. Paradise Lost remains one of the most studied and admired works in English literature. Milton's life and work show the power of the human spirit to rise above suffering and blindness. His poetry continues to guide, challenge, and inspire readers today.

 

Conclusion
John Milton was not just a great poet but also a strong voice for truth and liberty. He used his talents to serve both art and morality. His poems are full of wisdom, beauty, and strength. His prose defends the rights of individuals. Milton stood for freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the glory of God. Even after blindness and political defeat, he continued to write with passion and purpose. His legacy lives on through his epic verses and noble ideas. In the world of English literature, Milton shines as a powerful and eternal light.

References
Long, William J. English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the English-Speaking World. Anboco, 2016.
Daiches, David. A Critical History of English Literature. Allied Publishers, 2000.
Shawcross, John T. John Milton: The Self and the World. University Press of Kentucky, 1993.
Lewalski, Barbara K. The Life of John Milton. Blackwell, 2003.

 

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