12.4 Milton's Other Major Works
4 min read•july 24, 2024
Milton's works beyond Paradise Lost showcase his versatility as a writer and thinker. From pastoral elegies to impassioned political treatises, he explored themes of , , and across genres and forms.
Milton's prose works and political involvement reveal his commitment to and . As Latin Secretary to the Commonwealth government, he defended controversial positions on divorce, , and the right to hold rulers accountable.
Milton's Major Works Beyond Paradise Lost
Causes of social change
Top images from around the web for Causes of social change
Category:John Milton - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Samson Agonistes: Title Page View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:William Blake's illustrations of Comus - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:John Milton - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Samson Agonistes: Title Page View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Causes of social change
Category:John Milton - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Samson Agonistes: Title Page View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:William Blake's illustrations of Comus - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Category:John Milton - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Samson Agonistes: Title Page View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- (A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle)
- Composed in 1634 as Milton's first major poetic work blended elements of masque and morality play exploring virtue and chastity
- Commissioned for performance at Ludlow Castle celebrated Earl of Bridgewater's appointment as Lord President of Wales
- Featured (Lady, Comus) embodied conflict between temptation and virtue
-
- Pastoral elegy published in 1638 commemorated Edward King, Milton's Cambridge classmate who drowned at sea
- Incorporated classical and Christian imagery questioned purpose of poetry and nature of fame
- Structured as a series of laments from various speakers culminated in message of hope and resurrection
-
- Impassioned prose work published in 1644 argued against censorship advocated freedom of the press
- Written in response to Licensing Order of 1643 which required government approval for printed materials
- Employed to defend importance of open discourse in society
-
- Closet drama published in 1671 reimagined biblical story of Samson as a tragedy
- Explored themes of faith, redemption, and divine providence through Samson's struggle and ultimate sacrifice
- Adhered to of time, place, and action reflected Milton's interest in Greek tragedy
Factors in group formation
- and Il Penseroso
- Companion poems contrasted joyful (L'Allegro) and contemplative (Il Penseroso) temperaments
- Employed of abstract concepts (Mirth, Melancholy) and classical allusions
- Structured as day-in-the-life narratives showcased Milton's versatility in depicting opposing moods
-
- "" (Sonnet 19)
- Reflected on Milton's loss of sight explored theme of service to God despite physical limitations
- Used of talents to examine personal worth and divine purpose
- "" (Sonnet 18)
- Condemned religious persecution of Waldensians demonstrated Milton's
- Employed and forceful language to evoke emotional response
- "" (Sonnet 19)
- ""
- Ode celebrating birth of Christ composed in 1629 showcased Milton's early poetic skill
- Blended Christian theology with classical mythology created rich tapestry of imagery
- Structured in two parts: a four-stanza introduction followed by 27-stanza hymn
Milton's Prose Works and Political Involvement
Impacts of social institutions
-
- Published in 1643 argued for right to divorce on grounds of incompatibility challenged social and religious norms
- Drew on biblical interpretation personal experiences to support controversial stance
- Expanded over multiple editions reflected Milton's evolving thoughts on marriage and individual liberty
- Of Education
- Outlined Milton's views on educational reform advocated comprehensive curriculum including classical languages
- Emphasized practical knowledge moral instruction alongside academic subjects
- Influenced later educational theorists (John Locke)
-
- Defended right of people to hold rulers accountable justified execution of Charles I
- Published shortly after king's death in 1649 supported establishment of Commonwealth
- Argued for concept of popular sovereignty challenged divine right of kings
-
- Proposed republican form of government on eve of Restoration in 1660
- Advocated for perpetual parliament opposed return to monarchy
- Demonstrated Milton's continued commitment to republican ideals despite changing political climate
Types of social interactions
-
- Served under Oliver Cromwell during Interregnum (1649-1660) composed official correspondence
- Wrote propaganda defending actions of Commonwealth government
- Continued role despite increasing showcased dedication to cause
-
- Latin defense of English people praised Cromwell's leadership
- Part of series of defenses written in response to royalist attacks
- Demonstrated Milton's skill in Latin composition international reputation
-
- Defended execution of Charles I argued for popular sovereignty
- Written in response to Salmasius's Defensio Regia pro Carolo I
- Showcased Milton's rhetorical skills engagement with contemporary political debates
- Influence of political involvement on literary works
- Themes of liberty and tyranny in Paradise Lost reflected Milton's republican ideals
- Exploration of free will and obedience in various works drew on political experiences
- Use of classical references in poetry and prose demonstrated breadth of Milton's learning and political thought
Key Terms to Review (36)
Allegorical characters: Allegorical characters are symbolic figures in literature that represent abstract ideas, moral qualities, or themes rather than just being simple characters with a specific personality. These characters often embody concepts such as virtue, vice, death, and redemption, and are commonly used in various works to convey deeper meanings and messages.
Areopagitica: Areopagitica is a prose work written by John Milton in 1644, advocating for the freedom of speech and opposing censorship. This text is crucial for understanding the political and religious writing of its time, reflecting the tensions surrounding civil liberties during a period of social upheaval, particularly during the English Civil War. Milton's arguments highlight the importance of open discourse, influencing later notions of free expression in literature and politics.
Blindness: Blindness, in the context of literature, often symbolizes a lack of insight, understanding, or spiritual vision. This theme is prevalent in various works, illustrating characters' moral and intellectual shortcomings as they fail to perceive truth or reality. In exploring blindness, writers often delve into human limitations, the conflict between appearance and reality, and the search for deeper truths.
Classical references: Classical references are allusions or direct mentions of works, figures, or concepts from ancient literature, especially from Greek and Roman traditions. These references enrich the text by drawing on the shared cultural knowledge of the audience, often enhancing themes, characters, and narratives within a literary work.
Classical unities: Classical unities refer to a set of dramatic principles originating from Aristotle's Poetics, which advocate for three key rules in playwriting: unity of action, unity of place, and unity of time. These rules dictate that a play should focus on a single plot without subplots, take place in one location, and unfold within a single day. They influence the structure and coherence of narratives in literature, especially during the Renaissance period.
Comus: Comus is a masque written by John Milton, first performed in 1634, which explores themes of virtue, temptation, and the conflict between good and evil. The work is centered around the character of Comus, a figure representing debauchery and excess, who attempts to seduce a chaste maiden in a forest setting. Milton's use of allegory and rich poetic language serves to convey deeper moral messages, making Comus a significant piece in understanding Milton's broader contributions to literature.
Defensor secundus: Defensor secundus refers to a concept originating from John Milton's works, particularly in his defense of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. This term highlights the idea of secondary defense or justification, particularly in relation to the defense of liberty and moral righteousness against tyranny, often articulated in Milton's prose and poetry.
Education: Education refers to the process of facilitating learning, acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs through various means such as teaching, training, and research. In the context of literature, education plays a crucial role in shaping a writer's perspective and influences their themes, characters, and narratives.
Extended Metaphor: An extended metaphor is a literary device that compares two unlike things in various ways throughout a text, rather than just in a single phrase or sentence. This technique deepens the meaning and adds layers of significance, allowing writers to convey complex ideas, emotions, or themes in a more relatable way. It often creates a vivid image or idea that resonates with readers and can reveal deeper connections between the compared elements.
Faith: Faith is a deeply held belief or trust in something or someone, often without empirical evidence or logical proof. In literature and philosophy, faith plays a crucial role in exploring themes of spirituality, morality, and human existence, representing a significant aspect of the human experience and influencing characters' motivations and actions.
Feminist readings: Feminist readings are critical interpretations of literary works that seek to understand and analyze how gender influences the representation of women and societal norms within texts. This approach examines the roles, experiences, and voices of female characters, often challenging patriarchal narratives and revealing the underlying power dynamics in literature. By applying feminist theory, these readings aim to uncover the ways in which literature reflects or perpetuates gender inequality and to highlight the contributions of female authors and perspectives.
Freedom of expression: Freedom of expression is the right to express one's thoughts, ideas, and beliefs without censorship or restraint. This concept plays a crucial role in literature, as it allows authors to challenge societal norms and articulate diverse perspectives, which is particularly evident in the works of significant literary figures.
L'allegro: L'allegro is a poetic work by John Milton that celebrates the joys of life, nature, and the human experience through a vibrant and optimistic lens. This poem contrasts with its companion piece, Il Penseroso, highlighting the duality of human emotions and experiences, with l'allegro focusing on merriment and cheerfulness.
Latin Secretary to the Council of State: The Latin Secretary to the Council of State was a pivotal administrative role established in England during the 17th century, primarily filled by John Milton. This position involved overseeing correspondence and diplomatic communications, particularly in Latin, for the Council of State, which was a governing body formed during the English Commonwealth. Milton's work as Latin Secretary significantly influenced his literary output, blending his political responsibilities with his poetic and philosophical writings.
Liberty: Liberty refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views. This concept is deeply intertwined with the ideas of individual rights and personal freedom, often highlighting the importance of self-determination and autonomy in one's life choices.
Lycidas: Lycidas is a pastoral elegy written by John Milton in 1637, commemorating the death of his friend Edward King. This poem reflects Milton's exploration of themes such as mortality, grief, and the nature of poetic legacy. 'Lycidas' is significant not only for its emotional depth but also for its stylistic innovations, blending classical elements with Milton's own unique voice, which sets the stage for his later major works.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 17th and 18th centuries, characterized by a revival of classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome. It emphasized reason, clarity, and order, reflecting Enlightenment values and reacting against the emotionalism of the preceding Baroque period. This movement influenced many major authors and works during the Restoration and beyond, shaping literary forms and themes.
On His Blindness: 'On His Blindness' is a sonnet by John Milton that reflects on the poet's struggle with his blindness and explores themes of faith, talent, and divine purpose. The poem conveys Milton's deep concern about how his blindness affects his ability to serve God and fulfill his artistic potential, ultimately leading to a profound meditation on human limitations and the grace of God in the face of adversity.
On the Late Massacre in Piedmont: On the Late Massacre in Piedmont is a poignant poem by John Milton that reflects on the brutal massacre of Protestant Waldensians by the Catholic Duke of Savoy in 1655. The poem serves as a powerful condemnation of religious persecution and highlights Milton's passionate advocacy for religious freedom, tying it into broader themes of tyranny and justice prevalent in his other major works.
On the Morning of Christ's Nativity: On the Morning of Christ's Nativity is a poem by John Milton that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. This work, part of Milton's broader literary contributions, encapsulates themes of divine light, salvation, and the contrast between earthly and heavenly realms. The poem showcases Milton's mastery of language and his ability to weave deep theological insights into a lyrical format.
Personification: Personification is a literary device where human qualities or characteristics are attributed to non-human entities, animals, or abstract concepts. This technique allows writers to create vivid imagery and emotional connections, making their descriptions more relatable and impactful for the audience. By bringing inanimate objects or abstract ideas to life, personification enhances the thematic depth and engages readers on a personal level.
Political activism: Political activism refers to the efforts and activities aimed at promoting, impeding, or directing social, political, or economic change. It encompasses a range of actions, from peaceful protests to lobbying and organizing campaigns, all driven by a commitment to influencing policy or societal norms. This term is crucial in understanding how literature reflects and shapes societal movements, especially in works that critique political authority or advocate for reform.
Political engagement: Political engagement refers to the active participation of individuals or groups in political processes, which includes activities like voting, advocacy, and public discourse. This concept reflects the importance of citizen involvement in shaping government policies and societal values, often emphasizing the need for informed and active citizenry to influence political outcomes.
Postcolonial critiques: Postcolonial critiques refer to the analytical framework that examines and challenges the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonialism and imperialism on formerly colonized societies. This approach highlights issues of identity, power dynamics, and resistance, focusing on how literature and art reflect the experiences and voices of those affected by colonial rule, as well as questioning the narratives constructed by colonial powers.
Pro populo anglicano defensio: Pro populo anglicano defensio, translated as 'Defense of the English People,' is a significant political pamphlet written by John Milton in 1651. It argues for the defense of the English people against tyranny and oppression, particularly during the tumultuous times of the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period. This work reflects Milton's deep commitment to republican ideals and his belief in the right of the people to resist unjust authority, making it a cornerstone of his political thought and a vital part of his major works.
Religious reform: Religious reform refers to the movement aimed at changing the practices, beliefs, and institutions of a religious tradition, often in response to perceived corruption or misinterpretation within that tradition. This term is closely associated with the broader cultural and political shifts during the Reformation period, where individuals sought to return to what they viewed as the authentic teachings of Christianity. In literature, particularly in the works of influential writers, these reformative ideas significantly shaped themes and characters, often reflecting the societal tensions of their time.
Republican ideals: Republican ideals refer to the principles of governance that emphasize liberty, civic virtue, and the notion of a government accountable to its citizens. These ideals advocate for a political system where representatives are elected by the populace to serve the common good, promoting individual rights and active participation in political processes. Such values were particularly influential in the context of literature and politics during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period, often shaping works that reflect on democracy, social contract, and the role of the individual in society.
Rhetorical Techniques: Rhetorical techniques are strategies used in writing and speaking to persuade, inform, or convey ideas effectively. These techniques enhance the message's impact and can include various methods such as ethos, pathos, and logos, which appeal to credibility, emotion, and logic respectively. Understanding these techniques helps in analyzing how authors convey their themes and engage their audience.
Romanticism: Romanticism is an artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment. It valued personal experience and imagination, leading to a profound exploration of themes such as beauty, love, and the sublime in literature and art, which shaped many works of the time.
Samson Agonistes: Samson Agonistes is a tragic closet drama written by John Milton that was published in 1671. The work explores the biblical story of Samson, focusing on themes of strength, betrayal, and redemption while delving into questions of free will and divine providence. This dramatic poem stands out as a significant part of Milton's body of work, showcasing his unique blend of classical tragedy and religious themes.
Sonnets: Sonnets are a specific form of poetry consisting of 14 lines, typically written in iambic pentameter, that follow a particular rhyme scheme. This poetic structure often explores themes of love, beauty, politics, and mortality, making it a versatile vehicle for expressing deep emotions and complex ideas.
The doctrine and discipline of divorce: The doctrine and discipline of divorce refers to John Milton's 17th-century writings that advocate for the moral justification and legal allowance of divorce under specific circumstances. This set of ideas challenges traditional views on marriage and reflects Milton's broader beliefs about individual rights, freedom of choice, and the necessity of personal happiness in relationships.
The ready and easy way to establish a free commonwealth: This phrase refers to the concept articulated by John Milton, suggesting a straightforward and effective method for forming a political system based on liberty and democratic principles. Milton's vision emphasizes the importance of civic engagement, moral responsibility, and a well-informed citizenry in the creation of a just and equitable society.
The tenure of kings and magistrates: The tenure of kings and magistrates refers to the philosophical and political discourse on the legitimacy and authority of rulers, particularly in the context of the divine right of kings versus the sovereignty of the people. This concept emphasizes the responsibilities of leaders and the relationship between authority and consent, serving as a critique of tyranny and a call for just governance.
Virtue: Virtue refers to moral excellence and righteousness, embodying traits such as kindness, honesty, and courage. In the context of literature, especially in works like those of Milton, virtue often represents the ideal qualities characters should aspire to embody, influencing their choices and the narrative's moral framework.
Vivid imagery: Vivid imagery refers to the use of descriptive language that evokes strong visual pictures in the reader's mind, allowing them to experience a scene or emotion more intensely. This technique engages the senses, creating a mental image that is rich in detail and helps convey deeper meanings within the text. Writers often use vivid imagery to enhance their storytelling, making it more immersive and impactful for the audience.