John Milton

John Milton Biography

John Milton (December 9, 1608 – November 8, 1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant, best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost. Born in London, Milton received a rigorous education at St. Paul's School and later at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1629 and Master of Arts in 1632. His early works, including L'Allegro and Il Penseroso, showcase his mastery of lyrical poetry.

Milton's travels across Europe, particularly his encounter with Galileo Galilei in Italy, deeply influenced his intellectual development. Upon returning to England, he became actively involved in the political and religious upheavals of the time, producing prose works advocating for civil liberties and freedom of expression, most notably Areopagitica (1644).

In 1649, Milton was appointed Secretary for Foreign Tongues under Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth government, a position he held until the Restoration in 1660. Despite losing his eyesight in 1652, Milton continued to write, dictating his works to assistants. His later years were marked by the creation of his most significant poetic works: Paradise Lost (1667), Paradise Regained (1671), and Samson Agonistes (1671).

Milton's writings reflect his deep commitment to individual liberty, religious tolerance, and republicanism. He passed away on November 8, 1674, in London, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential poets in English literature.

Trivia About John Milton

• Milton met the astronomer Galileo Galilei during his travels in Italy, an encounter that influenced his later works.
• He coined the term "Pandemonium" to describe the capital of Hell in Paradise Lost.
• Despite his blindness, Milton continued to write by dictating his works to assistants, including the poet Andrew Marvell.

Famous Quotes by John Milton

• "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven."
• "Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties."
• "They also serve who only stand and wait."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was John Milton?

John Milton was an English poet, intellectual, and civil servant, renowned for his epic poem Paradise Lost and his writings on political and religious liberty.

What is 'Paradise Lost' about?

Paradise Lost is an epic poem that explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man, focusing on the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

How did Milton continue writing after becoming blind?

After losing his sight in 1652, Milton dictated his works to assistants, including his daughters and the poet Andrew Marvell.

Related Literary Movements

John Milton's works are associated with the Renaissance and the Reformation, reflecting themes of individual liberty, religious tolerance, and republicanism. His writings bridge classical literature and early modern political thought.

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