Milton Death: A Life of Poetry, Philosophy, and Rebellion

Introduction

John Milton, an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under its Council of State and later under Oliver Cromwell, is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He wrote at a time of religious and political upheaval in England, and his work reflects the intellectual and spiritual struggles of his age. Milton's most famous works include the epic poem Paradise Lost, the shorter epic poem Paradise Regained, and the sonnet "When I Consider How My Light is Spent."

Milton's Early Life and Education

Milton was born in London in 1608. His father, also named John Milton, was a scrivener and composer. Milton's mother, Sarah Jeffrey, was the daughter of an alderman. Milton was a precocious child, and he began writing poetry at a young age. He attended St. Paul's School in London and then Christ's College, Cambridge. At Cambridge, Milton studied the classics, philosophy, and theology. He graduated in 1632 with a Master of Arts degree.

After graduating from Cambridge, Milton returned to London, where he lived with his parents and began writing poetry. In 1637, he published his first major work, Lycidas, a pastoral elegy on the death of a fellow poet. Lycidas was a critical and popular success, and it established Milton as one of the leading poets of his generation.

Milton's Political and Religious Views

Milton was a staunch supporter of the Puritan Revolution, and he wrote several pamphlets in support of the Parliamentarian cause. In 1649, he was appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues to the Council of State. In this role, Milton was responsible for translating official documents into Latin and other languages. He also wrote several important political tracts, including The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates and Eikonoklastes.

Milton was also a devout Christian, and his work is infused with religious themes. In his epic poem Paradise Lost, Milton tells the story of the Fall of Man. Milton's God is a just and powerful ruler, but he is also a loving and merciful father. Milton's work is full of hope and optimism, and it expresses a belief in the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

Milton's Later Years

After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Milton was dismissed from his government post. He was also forced to go into hiding for a time because of his support for the Parliamentarian cause. In 1667, Milton published Paradise Lost, his greatest work. Paradise Lost was a critical and popular success, and it is now considered one of the greatest works of English literature.

Milton continued to write poetry until his death in 1674. He died in London, and he was buried in the Church of St. Giles Cripplegate. Milton's work has had a profound influence on English literature, and he is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language.

Conclusion

Milton was a complex and fascinating figure, and his work continues to be read and studied today. He was a brilliant poet, a passionate polemicist, and a devout Christian. His work reflects the intellectual and spiritual struggles of his age, and it offers insights into the human condition that are still relevant today.

Milton Death