- Nov 2018
-
-
As well, Milton emphasizes the limited knowledge and particular vantage points of the several speakers who describe God's ways to h
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.
-
Milton emphasizes the limited knowledge even of the Son
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.
-
here are several poetic images for Truth in that work and elsewhere, but the personifications are especially striking
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.
-
e Milton's often-quoted distinction between his poetic right hand and polemic left hand as absolute (1: 808)—as if the two hands were not part of the same body and mind, and the right hand could and did ignore what the left hand was doing or had d
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.
-
- Oct 2018
-
rampages.us rampages.us
-
Purge and disperse, that I may see and tellOf things invisible to mortal sight.
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."
-
On external blindness as an opportuniry for inner illumination,see iii 35-6n;Wind (1965) 56. all mist . . ,pury: Cp.Beelzebub'shope that the devils may 'purge off this gloom' at heaven's 'orientbeam' (ii 3990 - and M.'s own prayer at t 22-6
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.
-
God covers himself 'with light as with a garment' .
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.
-
- Sep 2018
-
www.dartmouth.edu www.dartmouth.edu
-
Christ be the Churches husband
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.
-
He that hath read with judgement, of Nations and Commonwealths, of Cities and Camps, of peace and warre, sea and land, will readily agree that the flourishing and decaying of all civill societies, all the moments and turnings of humane occasions are mov'd to and fro as upon the axle of discipline.
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.
-
-
www.dartmouth.edu www.dartmouth.edu
-
There let the pealing Organ blow, To the full voic'd Quire below, In Service high, and Anthems cleer, As may with sweetnes, through mine ear, Dissolve me into extasies, [ 165 ] And bring all Heav'n before mine eyes.
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.
-
-
www.dartmouth.edu www.dartmouth.edu
-
Wher the great Sun begins his state, [ 60 ] Rob'd in flames, and Amber light, The clouds in thousand Liveries dight.
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.
-