John Milton课品.pptVIP

Milton’s Works Three literary periods: 1. early period: poems written in Cambridge and at Horton; 2. middle-aged period: political articles pamphlets; 3. the period of his old age: three giant works. The Second Defence of the English People 1) An answer to the productions against the Commonwealth. 2) Fight for the liberty of the nations in the world and recover their lost liberty. Analysis of Paradise Lost 1. Milton’s masterpiece. 2. A long epic（史诗） in 12 books. 3. taken from the Old Testament. 4. Major characters: Satan, God, Archangel, Adam, Eve… 5. It is about Satan’s rebellion against God and the expulsion(驱逐) of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Elements of Epic Poetry The key is length! Epic poems are multiple books which usually tell a story of epic proportions; Characters are usually royalty or immortal; There is almost always a hero! Generally has either a rhyme scheme or a verse type; Poem usually starts in medias res: Greek for “in the middle of the action” Theme and Characterization 1. The theme of the poem is a revolt against God’s authority. What do the main characters resemble? 2. God: selfish despot (暴君),cruel, unjust 3. Adam and Eve embody Milton’s belief in the______________, craving (longing) for __________. Theme and Characterization 4. God’s angels are foolish, resembling the court of an absolute monarch. 5. Satan is a rebel against tyranny(专制，暴行) and Satan and his followers resemble a ____________________. The Image of Satan 1. Satan is the real hero of the poem. 2. He is firmer than the rest of the angels. 3. He has an invincible(战无不胜的) heart. The Image of Satan 4. Satan remains superior in nobility and welcomes his defeat and his torments as a glory, a liberty and a joy; 5. Satan is the spirit questioning the authority of God. 6. Milton makes Satan as his own mouthpiece(代言人). Paradise Regained《复乐园》 1. It tells how Christ overcame Satan’s temptations. 2. It is the sequel(续集) of Paradise Lost. Samson Agonistes Samson