John Milton, a celebrated English poet and intellectual, is best known for 'Paradise Lost', an epic poem delving into the Fall of Man. His works, including 'Lycidas' and 'Areopagitica', reflect on loss, corruption, and the freedom of expression. Milton's influence extends to modern literature and civil liberties, with his ideas on republicanism and the human condition remaining relevant today.
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John Milton was born in London, England on December 9, 1608 and was known for his contributions to English literature
Education at St Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge
Milton's education at St Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge equipped him with a profound grasp of classical literature and languages
Ability to Write in Multiple Languages
Milton's education allowed him to write in Latin, Greek, Italian, and English
Milton's early poems, such as 'On the Morning of Christ's Nativity,' 'Comus,' and 'Lycidas,' displayed his poetic virtuosity and intellectual depth
Milton's marriage to Mary Powell was initially unhappy, leading to a separation and his controversial arguments for the right to divorce
Milton and Mary later reconciled and had four children before her death in 1652
Marriage to Katherine Woodcock
Milton's marriage to Katherine Woodcock brought stability to his later years
Marriage to Elizabeth Mynshull
Milton's marriage to Elizabeth Mynshull also brought stability to his later years
Milton's meeting with Galileo in Italy left a lasting impression and influenced his portrayal of the universe in 'Paradise Lost.'
Milton was a fervent advocate for republican principles and actively engaged in the political upheavals of his time
The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates
Milton's political prose argued for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a commonwealth
Eikonoklastes
Milton's political prose defended the English Republic against its detractors
Milton served as Secretary for Foreign Tongues under Oliver Cromwell, composing defenses of the English Republic
Following the Restoration of the monarchy, Milton was briefly imprisoned for his political activities but was soon released
Milton's most famous work, 'Paradise Lost,' is an epic poem that explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man with profound philosophical and theological insight
'Lycidas' is a pastoral elegy that meditates on premature death, the poet's role in society, and the corruption within the Church
'Areopagitica' is a passionate and eloquent defense of freedom of speech and the press, arguing for the right to free expression and the marketplace of ideas