🖋️ About the Author: Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
Samuel Johnson was an English writer, critic, poet, and lexicographer. He is most famous for his dictionary of the English language. His Lives of the Poets is a collection of biographies and critical essays on major poets. Life of Milton is part of this work.
📘 About Life of Milton
Life of Milton is a biography and critical essay written by Samuel Johnson about the life and works of John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. Johnson discusses Milton’s personal life, political views, and literary achievements, but he also criticizes some aspects of Milton’s character and poetry.
📜 Section-wise Summary
🔸 1️⃣ Early Life and Education
Milton was born in London in 1608. His father was a scrivener (a professional writer and moneylender). From a young age, Milton showed great talent in reading and writing. He studied at St. Paul’s School and then at Christ’s College, Cambridge.
“His literature was unquestionably great.”
Key Idea: Milton was a dedicated scholar with a strong love for poetry and learning.
🔸 2️⃣ Travels and Marriage
After finishing his studies, Milton traveled to Italy and met famous scholars and poets. He returned to England because of the civil war. He married Mary Powell, but their marriage was troubled because of differences in political and religious beliefs.
Key Idea: Milton's life was influenced by political conflict and personal struggles.
🔸 3️⃣ Political Life and Pamphlets
Milton supported the Puritan side during the English Civil War. He wrote many political pamphlets against monarchy and in favor of republican ideas. Johnson criticizes Milton’s political writings, saying they were harsh and filled with pride.
“Milton’s republicanism was sincere, but he was severe and unrelenting.”
Key Idea: Johnson respects Milton's dedication but disagrees with his political views.
🔸 4️⃣ Blindness and Later Life
Milton became blind in his later years but continued to write. He dictated his works to assistants and family members. Despite his health problems, he produced his greatest epic, Paradise Lost.
“His blindness, though melancholy, did not depress his spirit.”
🔸 5️⃣ Literary Works
- Paradise Lost: Johnson praises Milton’s imagination and the grandeur of the poem but criticizes the lack of human warmth.
- Paradise Regained: Johnson feels it is less powerful than Paradise Lost.
- Samson Agonistes: A tragic poem compared to Greek dramas, but Johnson finds it too cold and academic.
“None ever wished it longer than it is.” (On Paradise Lost)
Key Idea: Johnson admires Milton’s talent but points out his flaws, especially in style and emotional connection.
🔸 6️⃣ Character and Personality
Johnson describes Milton as proud, reserved, and sometimes harsh. He believes Milton lacked humility and was not friendly to those who disagreed with him.
“His natural harshness of mind was not softened by age or misfortune.”
Key Idea: Johnson views Milton as a brilliant but difficult person.
🔸 7️⃣ Death and Legacy
Milton died in 1674. Johnson acknowledges that despite his political controversies, Milton’s poetry secured him lasting fame. His influence on English literature is enormous.
🌟 Major Themes
- Genius and Flaws: Milton was a great poet but had personal and political shortcomings.
- Art and Politics: Johnson discusses the relationship between Milton’s art and his political beliefs.
- Life and Legacy: Milton’s work outlives his political failures and personal difficulties.
🔍 Literary Devices Used by Johnson
- Critical Biography: Combines facts with personal judgment.
- Irony and Wit: Johnson uses clever phrases to express both praise and criticism.
- Balanced View: He shows both the strengths and weaknesses of Milton.
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