the 17t century-2 Milton弥尔顿.pptVIP

John Milton 约翰·弥尔顿(1608-1674) Life Major Works Textual StudyParadise Lost The Plot of the Epic The theme of the Epic The image of Satan On His Blindness The General Idea of the Sonnet Life In 1632, graduated from Cambridge. retired for five years to his fathers country house. In 1634, wrote a masque called Comuns. In 1637, wrote the finest pastoral elegy, Lyeidas. In 1638, left England to travel in Europe. In 1639, returned to England. In 1642, Married Mary Powell pamphlets writing defending the English revolution -- famous in public affairs ---two leaders in England, Cromwell the man of action, and Milton, the man of thought. In 1652, blind; wife died. In 1658, death of second wife. In 1660, arrested, but released with fine. In 1674, died. Major Works As a real revolutionary, a master poet and a great prose writer, Milton holds an important place in the history of English literature. Pamphlets: Speech for the Liverty of Unlicensed Printing Of Reformation in England Defence of the English people Second Defense of the English People Epics:Paradise Lost (1667) 《失乐园》 (长篇叙事诗)Paradise Regained (1671)《复乐园》 (长篇叙事诗)Samson Agonistes (1671) 《力士参孙》(诗歌体的剧本) Paradise LostAn Overview John Milton’s masterpiece, and the greatest English epic. It is a long epic in 12 books, done in blank verse. The story is taken from the Old Testament Analysis The main idea of the poem is the heroic revolt against God’s authority. The theme of the epic is the “Fall of Man”, i.e. man’s disobedience and the loss of Paradise, with its prime cause —Satan who rebels against God’s authority and tyranny. The purpose of writing the epic is to “justify the ways of God to men”. By depicting Satan and his followers as well as their fiery utterance and brave actions, Milton is showing a Puritan’s revolt against the dictator and against the established doctrines of the Catholics. In the poem God is no better than a cruel and selfish despot(暴君), seated on a throne with a chorus of angels about him sing