John Milton

Introduction for essay about John Milton

John Milton was an English poet, pamphleteer, and civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. He is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, written in blank verse and widely considered to be one of the greatest works of literature ever written. Milton’s other notable works include the epic poem Paradise Regained, the masque Comus, and the prose works Areopagitica and Defensio Populi Anglicani.

Born into a Puritan family in London, Milton was a brilliant student who progressed quickly through the school system. He entered Christ’s College, Cambridge in 1625 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1629. Milton then embarked on a tour of Europe, where he became acquainted with a number of influential thinkers, including the Dutch theologian Gisbertus Voetius. Upon his return to England, Milton became a tutor in the household of Sir Philip Sidney.

In 1641, Milton married Mary Powell, a young woman from a wealthy family. The couple had four children, but only two survived to adulthood. Milton’s wife eventually left him, and the couple divorced in 1645.

Milton became increasingly involved in politics during the 1640s. He wrote a number of pamphlets supporting the Parliamentary cause during the English Civil War and also served as the secretary for foreign affairs in the Cromwellian government.

After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Milton was arrested and spent several months in prison. He was then released and placed under house arrest. Milton continued to write during this period, producing his greatest work, Paradise Lost, in 1667.

Milton died in 1674, leaving Paradise Lost unfinished.

Structure of essay papers on John Milton

1. Milton’s life and work as a poet
2. The influence of Milton’s religious beliefs on his poetry
3. The political aspects of Milton’s writing
4. The literary style of Milton’s poetry
5. Themes in Milton’s poetry
6. Milton’s place in the history of English literature
7. The reception of Milton’s poetry by later generations
8. Critical approaches to Milton’s poetry
9. The influence of Milton on other writers
10. The continuing relevance of Milton’s poetry

Conclusion

John Milton is one of the most important authors in English literature. His work has had a profound influence on our understanding of the human condition. His work is characterized by its deep insight into the nature of good and evil, and its ability to inspire hope in the face of adversity.

The most popular works of this author

1. Paradise Lost
2. Paradise Regained
3. Samson Agonistes
4. Lycidas
5. Areopagitica
6. Comus
7. L’Allegro
8. Il Penseroso
9. At a Vacation Exercise in the College
10. An Apology for Smectymnuus