U7 L2 John Milton Flashcards
When was John Milton born?
December 9, 1608
Who were John Milton’s parents?
- prosperous Puritan lawyer
- amateur composer
From 1615 to 1625, Milton was privately educated in which school?
St. Paul’s school
In 1629, what was the name of Milton’s first major poem?
On The Morning of Christ’s Nativity
In 1631, what were the companion poems Milton wrote?
- L’ Allegro
- iL Penseroso
What is L’ Allegro is Il Penseroso about?
two contrasting ways of living:
- mirth: active, social
- melancholy: contemplative life
Why did Milton not enter the Anglican ministry?
he felt he was unsuited
In 1634, what was the drama Milton presented?
Comus
What is the theme of Comus?
Virtue
Why was the year 1637 the beginning of a difficult period for Milton?
His faith was tested
What was the poem Milton composed in memorial of a student?
Lycidas
Who was Lycidas dedicated to?
Charles King
Is it likely Charles King was a close friend of Milton?
no
Where did Charles King die?
at sea
What does Lycidas deal with? And what does he conclude with?
- loss of promising life
- loss of loved ones
- injustices, uncertainties of life
- condemn insincere clerics
- question his and friend’s soul future
- rejoice in eternal life of Lycidas/rep friend’s life
From 1638 to 1639, what was Milton doing?
traveled and studied on the continent, mainly in Italy
From 1638 to 1639, what scientist did Milton meet?
Galileo
From 1638 to 1639, why was Milton’s trip cut short?
- death of friend, Charles Diodati
- homeland was on brink of civil war
In 1644, what did Milton publish?
- Of Education
- Aeropagitica
What was ‘Of Education’ and ‘Aeropagitica’ about?
O- ex importance of broadly based education
A- plea for freedom of press and thought
In 1649, what did Milton publish?
- Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
- Eikonoklastes (image-breaker)
‘Tenure of Kings and Magistrates’ and ‘Eikonoklastes’ were published in response to what?
- Eikon Basilike (image of royalty
- Charles I, eve of execution
- portrayed as victim/martyr
What did ‘Tenure of Kings and Magistrates’ and ‘Eikonoklastes’ defend and endorse?
- parliament
- rights of people to execute tyrannical kings
- execution of Charles I
Milton’s publications caused him to be noticed by who?
Oliver Cromwell, de facto head of new Commonwealth
