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John Milton

John Milton. 1608-1674. Puritan Goals. Puritan movement of late 16 th and early 17 th centuries had profound effect on English life Immediate goal – “purify” the Church of England by eliminating certain Roman Catholic traditions Beliefs: Power to receive enlightenment from the Bible

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John Milton

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  1. John Milton 1608-1674

  2. Puritan Goals • Puritan movement of late 16th and early 17th centuries had profound effect on English life • Immediate goal – “purify” the Church of England by eliminating certain Roman Catholic traditions • Beliefs: • Power to receive enlightenment from the Bible • Wanted a “bottom-to-top” structure – congregations chose their own ministers • Spread vision through pamphlets, sermons, books

  3. Conflict with the Monarchy • Conflicts b/w Charles I and the Puritans over Charles’ plans to restore Roman Catholic traditions • Some Puritans left England for America • 1649 King Charles found of treason and beheaded • New government, the Commonwealth, headed by Puritan Oliver Cromwell, took over

  4. Puritan Influence • Puritans tried to make English society conform to their beliefs • Outlawed Christmas and Easter • Prohibited chess and dancing • Closed public theaters • Censored literature • Some great literature did emerge: • John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress • John Milton’s Paradise Lost • Influence ended in 1660 when the monarchy was restored

  5. John Milton • successful poet and political activist • Began writing Paradise Lost in 1658 at age 50 • Published in 1667 • Since he had become blind, he had to dictate the entire work • Claimed a divine spirit inspired him

  6. EPIC POEM • Epic Poem – long narrative; all-encompassing cultural visions; explores all aspects of a particular moment of civilization • explores big questions • the vision of an entire society • relationship b/w human beings and the divine • historical framework and future destiny of a nation • more than a story – epic is a celebration of what makes a culture what it is

  7. Paradise Lost • Concerns the Fall of Man • The temptation of Adam and Eve by the fallen angel Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden • Blank Verse – non-rhyming verse; iambic pentameter (same as Shakespeare) • Story is divided into 12 books

  8. Epic Characteristics • follows the exploits of a hero (anti-hero) • involves warfare and the supernatural • begins in medias res (in the midst of things) • begins with Milton invoking the Holy Spirit for his task • expresses ideals and traditions of a people • common with Homer’s Odyssey and Beowulf

  9. Purpose • purpose of Paradise Lost is to “justify the ways of God to men” • Milton presents Satan as an ambitious and proud being who defies his creator • Milton incorporates Paganism, Greek references, and Christianity • Poem deals with issues including fate and predestination

  10. Characters • Satan • Adam • Eve • The Son of God • God the Father

  11. Themes • The importance of obedience to God • The hierarchal nature of the universe – Heaven above, Hell below, the Earth in the middle (based on proximity to God and his grace) • Social hierarchy – angels, humans, animals, devils • The “fall” as partly fortunate – maybe it was a good thing

  12. Terms • Allusion – a reference to a well-known person, place, event , written work, or work of art. • Transgress – to break or violate a law • Deluge – anything that overwhelms as if by a flood • Discern – to perceive; to detect • Myriad – a great or countless number • Subterranean – existing or operating below the surface of the earth; underground

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