John Milton
John Milton
(1608-1674)
1. Birth and Early Life:
John Milton was born on December 9, 1608, in London,
England, into a middle-class family.
He was the third of six children, and his father, John Milton
Sr., was a scrivener and a composer.
2. Education:
Milton received a comprehensive education, studying at St.
Paul's School and later at Christ's College, Cambridge, where
he excelled in languages, literature, and theology.
3. Travels and Further Studies:
After completing his studies at Cambridge, Milton embarked
on a European tour, visiting France and Italy. During this
time, he engaged with prominent intellectuals and absorbed
various cultural influences.
4. Political Engagement:
Milton was politically active during a tumultuous period in
English history. He wrote several political pamphlets
advocating for freedom of the press and the overthrow of
monarchy in favor of a republic.
5. Blindness:
In 1652, Milton went blind, possibly due to glaucoma.
Despite his loss of vision, he continued to write and
compose with the help of assistants.
6. "Paradise Lost":
Milton's most famous work is the epic poem "Paradise Lost,"
published in 1667. It narrates the biblical story of the Fall of
Man, depicting Satan's rebellion and Adam and Eve's
expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
7. Other Major Works:
Milton's body of work includes other significant pieces such
as "Paradise Regained," a sequel to "Paradise Lost," and
"Samson Agonistes," a tragic play.
8. Religious Views:
Milton was a deeply religious man with strong Puritan
convictions. His works often reflect his theological and moral
beliefs, emphasizing the importance of individual
responsibility and the consequences of disobedience.
9. Legacy and Influence:
Milton's writings have had a profound impact on English
literature and beyond. His exploration of complex themes,
eloquent prose, and poetic skill have inspired countless
writers and thinkers.
10. Death and Recognition:
John Milton died on November 8, 1674, in London. Although
his political views fell out of favor for a time, his literary
contributions were later recognized, and he is now
considered one of the greatest poets in the English
language.