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English history is full of outstanding public figure, who invested all their efforts in advancement of social mind, prosperity of Anglican Church, political development, etc. Many of them combined philosophy, literature and political activity, serving English nation and in any possible way. It is appropriate to name John Locke, Rodger Bacon, Francis Bacon, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill, who established their political philosophy in different historic periods; however, every piece of their ideas remained timely during many centuries. One of this range is John Milton, a heavyweight of the English Civil War of the 17th century. John Milton was a great poet and publicist, who also “fought” for equal rights and against bourgeois authority. Many of his works and poems reflect events of the civil war. However, it was in late periods of his literary activity. On the contrary, the first half of his life might be characterized as complete harmony and calmness. These are observed in the first poems by John Milton - L'Allegro, Il Penseroso, Comus, and Lycidas, etc. Dramatic effect of this works is enclosed in description of countryside livelihood, going in for meditation over natural landscapes and hidden patriotic motives. The second period of his life and literary activity feature personal fails and passionate work in the political party. It was in 1630s. In fact, John Milton joined the party of “the independents”. He wrote political pamphlets and poems, which were devoted to protection of human rights and other related issues opposition struggled with. Eventually, John Milton took place in a new Parliament and dealt with foreign affairs and correspondence. In sober fact, political career was too short, as in 1660s the House of Stuarts was restored. However, literary heritage of the writer’s last years deserves the specific attention. It is associated with his poems Paradise Lost, inspired by Bible ideas, Paradise Regained, pointing out author’s disappointment and confusion about future of the revolution, and Samson Agonistes, emphasizing the necessity of moral degeneration and revenge for endured oppression. All in all, these three poems recommend John Milton as tireless fighter for public equality, supremacy of human rights and integrity of humans and civil war as related ideas of existence.
Related Articles -
John Milton, Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained, English Civil War, House of Stuarts, English literature, English philosophy,
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