John Milton

Early life and education

John Milton was born on December 9, 1608 in London, England. He was the son of prolific writer and musician John Milton Sr. and son of Sarah Jeffrey. Milton had not inherited his own Catholic father’s estate, as his father had converted to Protestantism. This religious background have a profound effect on Milton’s later writings and beliefs.

From an early age Milton showed extraordinary educational ability. He received a good education, first in St. Louis. Paul’s, London, and then at Christ’s College, Cambridge. At Cambridge he wrote both English and Latin and gained a reputation as a fine poet. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1629, followed by a Master of Arts in 1632.

European tour

After graduating, Milton spent six years in private study at his family home in Horton, Buckinghamshire. During this time he wrote some of his first poems, including “L’Allegro,” “Il Penseroso,” “Comus,” and “Lycidas.” In 1638 Milton embarked on a tour of Europe, where he met many influential intellectuals, including Galileo Galilei, who was under house arrest. Milton’s journey influenced his writings by broadening his cultural and political outlook.

Political work and prose work

When Milton returned to England in 1639, he became deeply involved in the political and religious conflicts of his day. He wrote a series of pamphlets arguing for church governance reform, freedom of the press, and divorce rights. His most famous prose work, “Areopagitica” (1644), is considered one of the most influential pieces of free speech in history.

Milton served as Foreign Secretary to the House of Commons during the English Civil War and subsequent interregnum, mainly focusing on promoting parliamentary matters through propaganda. He wrote many political letters to prosecute the assassination of Charles I and Protection of the founding of the United Nations.

Personal life

Milton’s personal life was tragic and controversial. In 1642, he married Mary Powell, 17 years his junior. The marriage broke down, and Mary left him shortly after the wedding, prompting Milton to write his famous divorce papers. They are reconciled in 1645, and before Mary dies in 1652, they have four children.

Milton married twice more: in 1656 to Catherine Woodcock who died in 1658, and to Elizabeth Minshull in 1663. During this time Milton lost his sight and by 1652 was completely blind.

Major Poetic Works

Despite his blindness, Milton composed his finest works during the later part of his existence. His epic poem “Paradise Lost,” published in 1667, is considered one of the finest works of English literature. The poem narrates the story of the Fall of Man, portraying Satan as a multifaceted antihero. Milton followed this with “Paradise Regained” and the tragedy “Samson Agonistes,” each published in 1671.

Legacy and Death

John Milton died on November 8, 1674, in London. His influence on English literature and political thought has been profound and long-lasting. His legacy extends beyond his poetic talent to include his strong support for civil liberties and free speech.

Milton’s works stay studied and sought after for its complicated issues, wealthy language, and philosophical depth. His lifestyles and writings embody the turbulent spirit of seventeenth-century England, bridging the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.