John Milton Quotes
John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant who lived during the 17th century. He wrote some of the most influential works in English literature, including Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes. He was also a staunch defender of civil and religious liberty, and a…Read More
John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant who lived during the 17th century. He wrote some of the most influential works in English literature, including Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes. He was also a staunch defender of civil and religious liberty, and a major figure in the English Civil War.Read Less
John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant who lived during the 17th century. He wrote some of the most influential works in English literature, including Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes. He was also a staunch defender of civil and religious liberty, and a major figure in the English Civil War.
326 Best John Milton Quotes
John Milton Career Highlights
- Published “Paradise Lost”: Milton’s most famous work, “Paradise Lost” is an epic poem that is considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language. It was published in 1667 and tells the story of the fall of man through the biblical characters of Adam and Eve.
- Served as Secretary for Foreign Tongues: In 1649, Milton was appointed as the Secretary for Foreign Tongues by the English government. He held this position until the Restoration in 1660 and was responsible for composing official correspondence in Latin.
- Wrote political pamphlets: During the English Civil War, Milton wrote several political pamphlets advocating for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. His most famous work in this genre is “The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates” published in 1649.
- Trained as a classical scholar: Milton received a classical education at St. Paul’s School and then went on to study at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He was well-versed in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and incorporated classical influences into his writing.
- Composed sonnets: In addition to his longer works, Milton also wrote over 20 sonnets, including “On His Blindness” and “On His Deceased Wife.” These sonnets showcase his mastery of poetic form and his ability to convey complex emotions.
Key Contributions by John Milton
- Revolutionized the epic poem: Milton’s “Paradise Lost” broke away from traditional epic poems, which focused on heroic figures and battles, and instead focused on the fall of man and the struggle between good and evil. This new approach to the epic genre influenced many future writers.
- Championed freedom of speech and press: In his political pamphlets, Milton argued for the freedom of speech and press, stating that censorship was a form of tyranny. His ideas were ahead of his time and influenced the development of modern ideas of free speech.
- Promoted the use of vernacular language: Milton believed that literature should be accessible to all, not just the educated elite. He wrote “Paradise Lost” in English instead of Latin, which was the common language for epic poems at the time, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
- Advocated for the separation of church and state: In his pamphlet “Areopagitica,” Milton argued against government control of the press and advocated for the separation of church and state. His ideas were influential in the development of modern concepts of religious freedom.
- Contributed to the development of the English language: Milton’s use of language in “Paradise Lost” helped to shape the development of the English language. He coined many new words and phrases, and his writing style influenced future writers.
What Sets John Milton Apart
- Blindness: In 1652, Milton became completely blind, but he continued to write and compose poetry with the help of assistants. This did not hinder his literary career and he continued to produce some of his most famous works after losing his sight.
- Multilingualism: Milton was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. This allowed him to draw from a wide range of sources and influences in his writing, making his works unique and diverse.
- Political involvement: Unlike many other poets of his time, Milton was actively involved in politics and used his writing as a means to advocate for his political beliefs. This sets him apart as a poet who was not afraid to use his voice to bring about change.
- Unconventional writing style: Milton’s writing style was unconventional for his time, as he often used blank verse and enjambment in his poetry. This helped to create a sense of rhythm and flow in his works, making them stand out from other poets of his time.
- Legacy: Milton’s works continue to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike, making him one of the most influential poets in English literature. His contributions to literature, politics, and language continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.
Takeaways
- Persistence and determination: Despite facing challenges such as blindness, Milton continued to write and produce some of his greatest works. His determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to never give up on one’s passions and goals.
- The power of language: Milton’s use of language in “Paradise Lost” and his other works showcases the power of words to convey complex ideas and emotions. His contributions to the development of the English language highlight the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world.
- The intersection of literature and politics: Milton’s involvement in politics and his use of literature as a means to advocate for his beliefs demonstrate the powerful impact that literature can have on society and politics.
- The importance of challenging traditional norms: Milton’s unconventional approach to writing and his willingness to challenge traditional norms in literature, politics, and religion show the importance of questioning and pushing boundaries in order to bring about change and progress.
- A lasting legacy: Milton’s works continue to be studied and admired centuries after his death, highlighting the enduring impact of his contributions to literature and society.
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