Poems by Milton

Notes on John Milton and His Poetry

John Milton (1608-1674) was a renowned English poet who began his literary journey at the young age of ten. After completing his education at Cambridge, he delved into a vast array of literature available in multiple languages, including Latin, Greek, Italian, and English. His depth of knowledge and literary expertise earned him a position as Latin Secretary, during which he worked with great diligence.

Blindness and Dictation:

An unfortunate consequence of his relentless reading was his blindness, which occurred when he was forty-five years old. Despite this profound loss, Milton did not cease to create art. In his final years, he composed monumental works, including "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained," through dictation. This process not only highlights his determination to contribute to literature despite physical limitations but also showcases the enduring power of creativity.

Analysis of Milton's Poems

I. On Time

The poem "On Time" reflects Milton's contemplation on the nature of time and mortality. Here is a detailed analysis:

• Opening Lines: Milton begins by addressing Time, urging it to hasten its passage. He personifies Time as envious and greedy, hinting at how time consumes all.
• Symbolism of 'Lead Stepping Hours' and 'Plummets': The 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' and 'heavy Plummets' symbolize the sluggishness and weight of passing time. The reference to plummets suggests the way we are anchored by the inevitability of time, much like how a weight keeps a clock ticking slowly.
• Theme of Mortality vs. Eternity: Milton contrasts everything temporal (mortal dross) with what is eternal. In the end, he argues that genuine goodness and divine attributes like Truth, Peace, and Love will ultimately prevail, indicating that while time may devour the physical, it cannot touch the divine.
• Conclusion: The poem concludes with a powerful assertion that those who are spiritually and morally aligned will find eternal joy, resonating with the Christian belief in an afterlife.

II. On Shakespeare

"On Shakespeare" serves as a tribute to the legendary playwright. Here are key points from this poem:

• Reflections on Immortality: Milton questions the need for physical monuments to honor Shakespeare, asserting that his works already serve as lasting memorials. The idea reflects a theme that art can outlast physical structures.
• 'Weak Witness of Thy Name': This phrase suggests that conventional forms of remembrance (like stone monuments) fall short of the real essence of a person's contributions. Shakespeare's true legacy lies within the hearts and minds of those inspired by his words.
• Monument of Words: Milton praises the effortless beauty of Shakespeare's writing, suggesting that his poetry has created a monument in the minds of readers that far surpasses any physical tomb. Shakespeare’s influence transcends time, granting him a form of immortality.
• Tribute to Posterity: The poem recognizes how Shakespeare inspires not just his contemporaries but also future generations of poets, marking him as a foundational figure in English literature.

Language Study: Etymology

Etymology is introduced as a study of the history of words, tracing their origins and changes in meaning over time. For example, the word 'entomb’d' comes from late Middle English and has its roots in French. This historical context enriches our understanding of the language itself, illustrating the interconnectedness of words across different eras.

Additionally, it is noted that a substantial portion of English vocabulary (about 30%) has French origins, particularly post-Norman Conquest, showing how language evolves and absorbs influences over time.

Suggested Reading

The chapter concludes with a suggestion to read "On his Blindness," another of Milton's poignant works that reflects on his experience of loss and the search for purpose amidst difficult circumstances. This deepens the understanding of Milton’s artistic vision in relation to his life experiences.

1. Milton's Blindness: His loss of sight at age forty-five did not hinder his literary production; he wrote through dictation.
2. Nature of Time: The poem "On Time" presents time as both greedy and envious, consuming all.
3. Eternal vs. Temporal: There is a clear contrast between what is mortal (temporal) and what transcends death (eternal).
4. Homage to Shakespeare: Milton argues against physical monuments, stating literary works serve as enduring tributes.
5. Etymology: Understanding the origins of words provides insight into the evolution of language and contributes to richer comprehension of literature.
6. The Power of Art: Milton emphasizes that true artistic expression can achieve immortality, outliving physical constructs.
7. Influence of Shakespeare: Milton views Shakespeare as a timeless influence above literary standards and monuments.