ENGL 220 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Original Sin, Simile, A Forest
Document Summary
Summary: milton was a serious puritan (did not support extravagant churches/worship or poetry/rhyme or decorative elements in literature) Went blind in 1650s he even refers to the blindness of the epic poet. Loss of physical sight seen as resulting in greater understanding/insight. Dictated paradise lost after blindness, between 1658 and 1663. Revolt against king charles i (and monarchy as a whole) Milton actively involved, calling for execution of charles i. Led to milton"s imprisonment + forced retirement (almost executed) Some interpret paradise lost as an allusion to the english civil war. Grants subjects free will (the choice to obey) Milton"s emphasis on free will is what separates him from most. Puritans (unlike them, milton believes our faith is in our own hands-- We should blame ourselves, not eve, for our original sins) It"s nearly impossible to separate milton"s writing from his politics and religion. Evidence: line 59 + many references to royalty. English protestant movement in late 16/17th ce.
