John Milton Biography and Works

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## John Milton: A Life of Passion and Poetry

John Milton (1608-1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant. He is considered one of the greatest English poets of all time and a major figure in the English literary tradition. His life and work were deeply intertwined with the tumultuous political and religious events of his era, shaping his worldview and inspiring his most famous works.

Early Life and Education:

* Born in London to a prosperous scrivener, Milton received a classical education at St. Paul's School and later at Christ's College, Cambridge.
* He was a precocious child with a keen interest in literature and languages.
* He studied Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Italian, developing a profound understanding of classical and biblical literature.

Early Literary Career:

* Milton's early poetry was influenced by Renaissance ideals and the works of Virgil, Ovid, and Dante.
* He wrote several poems in Latin, including "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity" and "Lycidas," a pastoral elegy for his friend Edward King.
* He also published "Comus," a masque, and "Areopagitica," a passionate defense of freedom of the press.

Political and Religious Activism:

* Milton became a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarian cause during the English Civil War.
* He served as a propagandist for the Puritan government, writing pamphlets defending the execution of King Charles I.
* He was appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues under the Commonwealth government, translating important documents from Latin and other languages.

Personal Trials:

* Milton's life was marked by personal tragedy. He lost his sight in his mid-40s due to an unknown illness, possibly glaucoma.
* He also experienced the deaths of several of his children, including his daughter, Deborah.
* Despite these setbacks, he continued to write and publish prolifically.

Late Works and Legacy:

* Milton's most famous work, "Paradise Lost," an epic poem in blank verse, was published in 1667. This complex and ambitious work explores the themes of good and evil, free will, and the nature of God.
* He also wrote "Paradise Regained" and "Samson Agonistes," a dramatic poem based on the biblical story of Samson.
* Milton's works have had a profound impact on English literature and culture, influencing generations of poets and writers.
* His legacy includes his advocacy for freedom of speech, his powerful prose style, and his exploration of theological and philosophical themes in his poetry.

Key Works:

Paradise Lost

(1667)

Paradise Regained

(1671)

Samson Agonistes

(1671)

Areopagitica

(1644)

Lycidas

(1637)

Comus

(1637)

On the Morning of Christ's Nativity

(1629)

John Milton's life and work offer a fascinating glimpse into the intellectual and political landscape of 17th-century England. He is remembered as a brilliant poet, a passionate advocate for freedom, and one of the most influential figures in English literature.

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