Milton

//The contextual information surrounding Milton can be seen to be paralleled within Paradise Lost, as Milton’s own life and experiences are reflected within his work.// Milton’s family background and upbringing can be seen as a largely significant impact upon his texts as; his father was a composer of church music, which could be seen to have influence on his religious works such as Paradise Lost, Areopagitica etc. (Areopagitica was a speech given out on a pamphlet which argued the right to free speech within religion, despite being only for Christians, which at the time was a modern, and extreme notion. Many critics believe this reflects the beginnings of a modern society concerning religion which we have today, and highlights Milton’s own impressions on the constraints placed upon people within religion. This could perhaps link to Paradise Lost, as it can be argued that he doesn’t simply portray the positives in towards religion and Christianity.

Although Milton went blind in 1952, he wrote Paradise Lost by dictating to his daughters and his assistant. He said up until this point he had never completed a memorable piece of worthy literature, so it could be seen that his blindness inspired him to write such an epic poem about such a thought-provoking topic.

Many quotes within the poem can be interpreted to reflect his blindness, such as, ‘**// what in me is dark illume //**,’ when he is invoking the muse and, ‘**// no light, but darkness visible //**,’ in the description of Hell, in which he perhaps is comparing being blind to being damned in Hell. Milton also completed a sonnet three years before writing Paradise Lost titled, ‘** oh his blindness **,’ in which he asks God how he can complete his work with no sight, which can be seen to link in with Paradise Lost, as this sonnet or prayer has been fulfilled.

He worked in and was passionately involved with Parliament and therefore, supported Oliver Cromwell in the English Civil War. Throughout Paradise Lost, he can be seen to make references to some of these views, such as the parallel of Satan and Cromwell. This can be seen to be more significant through their opposition to Charles 1st view of the ‘divine right of kings,’ as this can be paralleled to God.

Milton began writing Paradise Lost the same year that Cromwell died, which led to the resurrection. This can be seen as something that directly influenced his writing.

After the resurrection, Milton was not executed as many anti-royalists were, this was due to his status as a poet however; he lost property, possessions and much of his reputation. This can be seen as a parallel to the followers of Satan in the eternal war, as they are banished alongside Satan.

Satan also has had his status as an archangel taken away from him, something which perhaps parallels Milton to Satan. This can also be seen through the quote, ‘ heaven of a hell ,’ as it can be interpreted that Satan is making the most of his situation in the same way as Milton did with his blindness.

//While gathering research on the context surrounding Milton and Paradise Lost, it became clear that there were factors which influenced his choices and his writing, as much of the texts can be seen as a direct parallel to the events within his life//.