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Never Give Up! The Story of John Milton and Paradise Lost
John Milton, an outspoken radical of his time, is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost, which John wrote later in life after losing his eyesight. He is considered to be one of the most significant English authors, behind only William Shakespeare, John Milton lived a life of hardships and struggle, though he refused to give up or give in.
Though best known for Paradise Lost, Milton’s works around the reformation of the Church advocate freedom of conscience and a high degree of civil liberty for humankind against the various forms of tyranny and oppression, both ecclesiastical and governmental. This libertarian outlook ultimately cost John Milton much hardship in life. However, instead of letting his struggles overwhelm his works, readers are left with a belief in the ultimate optimism for human potential.
The story of John Milton’s Life
John Milton’s work first began during the civil war when he wrote works where he vigorously attacked the party of the Church of England and their leader Archbishop of Canterbury with frequent passages of real eloquence lighting up the rough controversial style of the period. In line with his libertarian outlook, Milton wrote Areopagitica (1644), which many say is one of the most compelling arguments on the freedom of the press. Living through the revolutionary times and civil war in England, Milton had many trials both personal and professional. These hardships come across in his writing as does his style of life.
In 1649, Milton was appointed secretary for foreign tongues to the Council of State. His service to the government, chiefly in the field of foreign policy. He backed the losing side of the governmental power struggle going on during this time. After Milton’s side lost John went blind and shortly after Charles II was crowned, Milton was dismissed from governmental service, apprehended, and imprisoned.
This was a dark period of time for Milton, though he persevered despite the loss of his own personal freedom and even his eyesight! Milton’s magnum opus, the epic poem Paradise Lost was completed while Milton was blind and impoverished from 1658 to1664. Being blind he dictated his verse to a series of aides that he employed. Much has been said about John’s powerful characterization of Satan, calling him the hero and applauding his rebellion against the tyranny of heaven. It is argued that the poem reflects his personal despair over the failure of the revolution yet retains an ultimate optimism for human potential.
Never give up!
John Milton will forever be remembered for his epic poem Paradise Lost. His life, whether that be professional or personal was wrought with struggles. He lost his wife, buried two children, became imprisoned, and lost his eyesight. On top of this, his written works did not necessarily carry the popular opinions of the times and were slow to see the light of day.
John never gave up though. Losing his eyesight did not stop him from writing one of the greatest works of all time, and even with all of his marriage woes he ended up happily married to his 3rd wife until he passed away in 1674.
No matter how bad your struggles may be, whether that is work-related or personal. Never give up! Where there is time there is opportunity. As long as you never give up and keep on doing your magnum opus could be right around the corner.
Photo: Wikipedia
Sources: Wikipedia, Britannica, Poetry Foundation
