We have discussed the problems that come with writing a character of god into PL. I think this emphasizes that Milton wanted to ensure that his god was a definitive, complete representation of god. God cannot be known absolutely by anyone, including Milton, and the understanding of god is very subjective. That being said there is an objective understanding of god shared among all creation and Milton must ensure this understanding is represented properly as well.

The Son, who is of the essence of god, does not even have an absolute understanding of god. It is important to Milton that god cannot be truly known by anyone in the poem.

The truth that Milton discusses in Areopagitica is complex and is certainly at play in PL. Truth for Milton is absolute, but our understanding of truth is seemingly fluid. Because of its complexity, truth is elusive.

This is a crucial point when looking at anyone's body of work with the intent of understanding the individual. It is easy to discard works that do not fit into your impression of Milton or that contradict his other works, but it is important to remember that all the works are still his and capture his state of mind as it was in the moment.

These lines feel similar to this Translation of Psalm 51 done by Miles Coverdale:

"Thou shalt purge me... Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness...Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners...and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show thy praise."

I definitely see that these lines are the personal prayer of Milton regarding his blindness, but I think it also reflects a theme from Psalm 51 which was widely popular among English protestants in Milton's time. The likeness is specifically in lines 54-55 of Paradise lost Book 3.

I would have normally completely missed the meaning of this line because it isn't really elaborated on, but it is a moment where we can really see the awesomeness of God. Light is comparable to something physical and malleable to God.

I have read personifications of the Church as a woman or the wife of Christ in the past, but I always thought it was a bit strange, and maybe a bit of a stretch. I appreciate its metaphorical purpose, but I don't know why it was decided that Christ and Church are married.

Yesterday in my early modern lit class we were discussing how self-control, or discipline was emphasized among the upper-classes of England at this time. It is easy to see that Milton knows his audience and uses the word discipline to catch their attention. Milton also clearly believes this as well.

With the help of Melancholy, Milton finds a piece that he likens to the tranquility of hearing an organ and church choir. Melancholy allows him to transcend a more trivial joy and experience something truly heavenly or divine.

The light of the Sun encapsulates the sky and its rays wrap around and clothe the clouds. Milton uses the Sun and its light to symbolize the brightness and warmth of a spring day.