John Milton

Definition

John Milton was a 17th-century English poet and intellectual, best known for his epic poem 'Paradise Lost.' His work reflects the complexities of religious belief, politics, and human nature, which resonate with themes present in early American women's poetry, particularly in the ways that women's voices were often marginalized yet rich in their own explorations of faith and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Milton's 'Paradise Lost' is often seen as a response to the political turmoil of his time, including the English Civil War, and explores themes of free will and obedience.
2. His writing style is characterized by rich imagery, elaborate syntax, and profound philosophical inquiries about humanity's relationship with God.
3. Milton was blind for the last years of his life, yet he continued to compose poetry, dictating his works to his daughters.
4. His work influenced many writers in early America, including Anne Bradstreet, who grappled with similar themes of faith and personal struggle in her poetry.
5. 'Paradise Lost' employs allegorical elements that reflect Milton’s views on the fallibility of man and the complexities of divine justice, ideas that resonate with the struggles of early American women poets.

Review Questions

• How does John Milton's exploration of themes like free will in 'Paradise Lost' relate to the themes present in early American women's poetry?
  • John Milton's exploration of free will in 'Paradise Lost' resonates with early American women's poetry by addressing the tension between individual choice and societal expectations. For instance, Anne Bradstreet often expressed her personal struggles within the confines of Puritan society. Both Milton and Bradstreet grapple with the implications of human choice, suggesting that despite constraints, individuals have agency over their spiritual journeys.
• Analyze how Milton’s portrayal of gender roles in his works may have impacted early American female poets like Anne Bradstreet.
  • Milton's portrayal of gender roles, particularly in 'Paradise Lost,' often reflects traditional views where women are depicted as submissive figures. This dynamic could have shaped how female poets like Anne Bradstreet approached their writing. While Milton's work reinforced certain gender norms, Bradstreet subtly challenged these limitations by asserting her own voice and perspective as a woman navigating a patriarchal society. Her poetry often reflects both admiration and critique of traditional gender roles.
• Evaluate the influence of John Milton's literary techniques on the structure and style of Anne Bradstreet’s poetry.
  • John Milton's use of elaborate syntax and rich imagery set a high standard for poetic expression during his time. This influence is evident in Anne Bradstreet’s poetry as she employs similar literary techniques to convey her complex emotional landscapes. While Bradstreet often focuses on personal experiences rather than epic narratives, she adopts Miltonic elements like allegory and metaphor to explore her inner life. Her ability to blend these techniques into her own distinct style illustrates how Milton's legacy shaped the evolution of early American literature.

Related terms

Epic Poetry: A long narrative poem that often deals with heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation.

Puritanism: A religious reform movement that arose within the Church of England, emphasizing personal piety and strict moral conduct, which influenced many early American writers.

Allegory: A narrative technique in which characters and events represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, often used to convey deeper meanings in literature.