John Milton Research Paper

Within each subject, there are always those who are considered the “Greats”. In history, there are a few distinct rulers that come to mind, and possibly some generals. In Science, the most progressive names come to mind. Likewise, when thinking of English literature, often a few prominent names come to mind. Among them may be William Shakespeare, famous for his multitude of plays and poetry, Geoffrey Chaucer for his Canterbury Tales, and Edmund Spenser for his Faerie Queene, and other countless authors and great works. Another name often grouped in with this list of influential authors of history is that of John Milton. His writing, in the form of poetry, pamphlets, and papers, were very influential in their times, and continued to influence …show more content…
A little later, Milton “discovers, not with ostentatious exultation, but with calm confidence, his high opinion of his own powers; and promises to undertake something, he yet knows not what, that may be of use and honour to his country” (Johnson 26688). Paradise Lost, now considered to be one of the greatest pieces of English epic poetry, is certainly a legacy worthy of one of the great names of literature. This can undoubtedly be considered a fulfillment of his promise. Before writing his epics, however, his focus on death and the legacy left afterwards can be seen in some of his other works. While Milton is not widely considered to be one of the “Metaphysical Poets”, among Donne, Marvell, and Herbert, by definition he has written “metaphysical poetry”; poetry in which the main conceit is uncommon, and figurative language, often in the form of metaphors, similes, and personification, are stretched out of …show more content…
As the son of a composer, and a dabbling musician himself, Milton had a love of music which is shown in this poem specifically. Of all human achievements, he chose music as one of the most powerful, acclaiming its power by praising the sisters Voice and Verse. He implies that humanity needs no help in creating beautiful music, worthy of contending with the heavenly host itself. The sisters Voice and Verse also appear in other of Milton’s poems, both in Ad Patrem and in a sonnet he wrote to Henry Lawes. The sonnet contrasts the idea that the two sisters are equal, by making it apparent that “the poet is the senior partner, with the musician responsible for setting the poet’s words effectively, so they can be heard clearly” (Chernaik 24). With this implication applied to At a Solemn Music, Milton puts the poet at the forefront of what he claims to be one of the most prominent human accomplishments, and something that can rival the choir of the heavenly hosts

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