Milton’s style of writing in poetry
John Milton’s writing style contains epic and formal language, blank verse, complex syntax, vivid imagery, allusions and classical references, philosophical and theological themes, and elevated tone or diction.
Milton’s writings pump feelings into the readers; his expressions and argumentative style are extraordinary, especially in the greatest epic, The Paradise Lost, which is the living example of his majestic and distinct style of writing. Though Milton uses complex syntax, his vivid imagery and theological themes make his writing style convenient for readers to interpret and deduce the meaning and purpose.
His poetic style has influenced the subsequent writers of English literature, such as William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley, who admired his poetic language and use of majestic blank verse while upholding the principle of classic structure. It was the Renaissance period that inspired and spread enlightenment across Europe. The 16th and 17th centuries witnessed a shift from darkness to the Enlightenment and reason. People became aware of their rights, which paved the way for democracy and human dignity. John Milton was active in politics and religious affairs, so his works reflect both religious and political insights of his contemporary times.
About the author
John Milton was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England, and died on November 8, 1674, in London, England. He was a poet, polemicist, and civil servant. His father, also named John Milton, was a legal clerk and composer. The poet’s mother, Sarah Jeffrey, was from a rich family and provided a good education to the poet, John Milton. He began His education at St. Paul’s School in London, and from there, he got the foundational knowledge in Latin and classical literature. He was devoted to Puritanism and possessed liberal religious thoughts. John Milton was a curious reader and had read religious books and literary pieces and had a sharp eye for contemporary political conflicts.
Elements of the poetry of John Milton
- Formal Diction and Language
The poet uses formal language instead of informal words and exaggerated sentences. His formal diction and elevated tone imbue his poetic style with a sense of grandeur. The noble diction attempts to evoke profound philosophical and liberal opinions in the readers’ minds.
“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven” (Paradise Lost-Book I, line 263).
John Milton expresses liberal thoughts, apparently, yet the lines embody deep philosophical interpretations.
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Complex Syntax
Milton uses long and detailed sentences comprising multiple clauses and phrases and inversions. This type of complex language requires full attention for interpretation. He uses an argumentative and intellectual style to express complex ideas. He uses blank verse in a formal language style to engage readers attention in the text.
“Hail horrours, hail / Infernal world, and thou profoundest Hell / Receive thy new Possessor: One who brings / A mind not to be chang’d by Place or Time” (Book I, lines 249-252)
These lines vividly reflect his classical education and the technique of constructing complex syntax by using engaging and multiple clauses within one sentence.
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Vivid Imagery
The author employs vivid imagery while using words like Garden of Eden, Heaven, and Hell. He creates a vivid shape of an imaginary world in the readers’ minds. In addition, he uses the technique of dramatic monologue to evoke emotions and feelings in the readers. The vivid imagery can be observed through the phrase “flaming from the ethereal sky,” which reflects the Divine’s destructive punishment. Milton vividly projects the scenes of Satan’s rebellion and his act of rebellion because the writer attempts to create vivid imagery in the readers’ minds. The imagery of Hell, Heaven, Permission, and Temptation is in the work.
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Theological Themes
John Milton examines themes of religious beliefs and justifies the ways of GOD. Paradise Lost, in which Milton emphasizes the righteousness of Adam and Eve before they eat the Forbidden Fruit. Milton also employs his philosophical opinions, exploring free will, the struggle of man between good and evil, and divine justice. The author argues questions like free will and redemption through his self-created characters like Adam, Eve, and Satan.
Allusions
John Milton uses allusions in his writing style, including biblical allusions, classical allusions, historical allusions, and political and literary allusions. His work, Paradise Lost, shows relevancy and connection to the epic like Homer’s Iliad. Biblical allusions reference the Fall of Man and the conflict between Satan and the Creator. He also uses the concept of free will taken from Christian theology. The author employs the classical allusions in the sense that he uses the theme of Stan’s rebellions, which is often compared to Titan’s revolt against Olympian gods in Greek mythology. Historical and political allusions seem to be less in his works, especially in Paradise Lost; however, Satan persuades angels to take his side and rebel against God.
The tone
Milton’s writing tone is elevated and represents the vastness of the universe and human existence. The tone has a taste of solemnity and excellence of composition. His writing tone is dramatic, tragic, philosophical, reflective, compassionate, grieving, righteous and sermonic.
Blank Verse
John Milton writes his works in blank verse, using unrhymed iambic pentameter that enriches his writing with flow and rhythm, providing his poetry with the musical tone and formal style.
Milton’s works
1- Lycidas
Lycidas is an early poem, a tribute to Edward King, who was his fellow and drowned. The poem is a reflection on death, fame, and the role of a poet. It describes the role of a poet in society while criticizing the contemporary clergy of the time. The poem is written in a pastoral manner and represents the poet’s love for the late poet.
His other poems, such as Comus” (1634), On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” (1629), “Epitaphium Damonis” (1639), “The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce” (1643), and Areopagitica” (1644),
“The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates” (1649), “A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle” (1634), “The Hymn on the Nativity” (1629), “Epitaph on the Marchioness of Winchester” (1631), and De Doctrina Christiana” (written c. 1648, published posthumously in 1825) are theological prose, “Of Reformation” (1641).
Conclusion
Milton’s works reveal religion, morality, personal loss, and political themes. His works reflect the Renaissance taste and trend.