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Poems by Milton

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Poems by Milton

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Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze Milton's perspective on Shakespeare's legacy.
  • Discuss the significance of monuments in relation to literary greatness.
  • Evaluate the themes of time and eternity in Milton's poetry.
  • Interpret the imagery used in Milton's poems.
  • Examine the historical context of Milton's works and their impact on literature.

Detailed Notes

Notes on John Milton's Poetry

Overview of John Milton

  • Birth and Death: 1608-1674
  • Early Writing: Began writing poetry at the age of ten.
  • Education: Completed formal education at Cambridge; read extensively in Latin, Greek, Italian, and English.
  • Career: Appointed Latin Secretary; became totally blind at age 45 due to eyestrain from late-night reading.
  • Notable Works: Wrote Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained through dictation in his final years.

Understanding the Poem "On Shakespear"

  1. Monument for Shakespeare: Milton questions the necessity of a physical monument for Shakespeare, suggesting his legacy is already monumental through his work.
  2. Weak Witness of Thy Name: Refers to the inadequacy of physical tributes compared to Shakespeare's literary contributions.
  3. Source of Inspiration: Milton describes Shakespeare as a source of inspiration for future poets, emphasizing his lasting impact on literature.
  4. Tribute from Posterity: The best tribute is the enduring influence of Shakespeare's works on readers and writers alike.

Language Study

  • Etymology: The study of the history of linguistic change, focusing on the history and derivation of words.
  • Example - 'entomb'd':
    • Found in late Middle English.
    • Of French origin, in use since 1578.
    • Approximately 30% of English words are of French origin, with significant borrowing after the Norman Conquest (1066).

Notes on Themes and Imagery

  • Envious Time: References to Cronos from mythology, who devoured his children, symbolizing the relentless passage of time.
  • Plummets: A lead weight that symbolizes the slow, inevitable passage of time.

Questions for Further Reflection

  1. Why does Milton compare the flight of Time to 'lazy leaden-stepping hours'?
  2. What contrasts are drawn between the temporal and the eternal in the poem?
  3. What guides human souls towards divinity, and who ultimately prevails in the struggle against Time?

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

A.

Time will continue forever.

B.

Time will be reborn.

C.

Time will consume itself.

D.

Time will stop.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The poem suggests that Time will eventually consume itself, leading to long Eternity greeting our bliss.

A.

They symbolize rapid movement.

B.

They represent the slow passage of time.

C.

They are a metaphor for happiness.

D.

They signify the end of life.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In the poem, 'Plummets' represent the slow passage of time.

A.

We will be consumed by Time.

B.

We will be attired with Stars and triumph over Death.

C.

We will be lost in darkness.

D.

We will return to Earth.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

When our soul climbs to the supreme Throne, we will be attired with Stars and triumph over Death.

A.

Poet Laureate

B.

Latin Secretary

C.

Professor of Literature

D.

Royal Advisor
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

John Milton was appointed as Latin Secretary, a position that required extensive reading and writing, contributing to his blindness.

A.

Eternity

B.

Death

C.

Fame

D.

Wealth
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The poem suggests that long Eternity shall greet our bliss after Time is consumed.

A.

Knowledge

B.

Heavenly guidance

C.

Earthly possessions

D.

Time
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The poem suggests that a 'heav'nly guided soul' leads humans towards divinity.

A.

A type of bird

B.

A lead weight used in clocks

C.

A metaphor for freedom

D.

An ancient musical instrument
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In the poem, 'Plummets' refers to a lead weight used in clocks, symbolizing the slow passage of time.

A.

The supreme Throne

B.

Earthly knowledge

C.

Material wealth

D.

Human effort
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Milton suggests that the sight of the supreme Throne guides human souls towards divinity, as it allows them to shed earthly grossness and attain a divine state.

A.

It represents a slow-moving clock.

B.

It symbolizes the inevitability of death.

C.

It refers to a mythological figure that devours its children.

D.

It is a metaphor for laziness.
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

In the poem, 'Envious Time' refers to the mythological figure Cronos who devoured each of his children at birth.

A.

It signifies the eternal victory of divinity over temporal elements.

B.

It reflects the inevitability of death and chance.

C.

It highlights the power of human effort over time.

D.

It suggests the futility of human endeavors.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The phrase signifies that in the divine realm, human souls, guided by heavenly forces, triumph over temporal constraints like death and chance.

A.

Eternity

B.

Mortality

C.

The heavy Plummets pace

D.

The lazy leaden-stepping hours
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The poet suggests that eternity will triumph over 'Death, and Chance, and thee O Time'.

A.

It represents the rapid passage of time.

B.

It symbolizes the slow and steady ticking of time.

C.

It denotes the unpredictability of time.

D.

It signifies the cessation of time.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 'Plummets pace' symbolizes the slow and steady ticking of time, as a plummet is a lead weight used to regulate the mechanism of a clock.

A.

Shakespeare needs no physical monument to honor his legacy.

B.

Shakespeare's works are forgotten without a monument.

C.

Shakespeare's legacy is dependent on physical structures.

D.

Shakespeare's fame is due to his physical monuments.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Milton implies that Shakespeare's literary works are a sufficient monument to his legacy, rendering physical monuments unnecessary.

A.

Paradise Lost

B.

The Divine Comedy

C.

The Iliad

D.

The Odyssey
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

After becoming blind, John Milton dictated 'Paradise Lost' and 'Paradise Regained'.

A.

Human achievements

B.

Eternal joy and divine truth

C.

Material wealth

D.

Worldly fame
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Milton suggests that eternal joy and divine truth triumph over 'Death, and Chance, and thee O Time', as these are associated with the eternal and divine.

A.

Personification

B.

Metaphor

C.

Simile

D.

Hyperbole
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The phrase 'triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee O Time' uses personification, as it attributes human-like qualities to abstract concepts like Death, Chance, and Time.

A.

Wealth

B.

Knowledge

C.

The soul attired with stars

D.

Power
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The poem states that the soul, attired with stars, will triumph over Death, Chance, and Time.

A.

It is eternal

B.

It will be overcome

C.

It is divine

D.

It is necessary
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The poet suggests that the 'Earthy grossnes' will be overcome when the soul is guided towards divinity.

A.

Paradise Lost

B.

On Shakespear

C.

Poems by Milton

D.

The Divine Comedy
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

John Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost' through dictation in the final years of his life.

A.

Time will stop

B.

Joy will overtake us as a flood

C.

Death will be defeated

D.

The world will end
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The poem states that 'Joy shall overtake us as a flood' when everything that is sincerely good shines.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Personification

C.

Alliteration

D.

Hyperbole
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The phrase uses personification, attributing human qualities to abstract concepts like truth, peace, and love.

A.

It refers to the slow passage of time.

B.

It symbolizes the weight of responsibilities.

C.

It represents the burden of knowledge.

D.

It denotes the heaviness of sorrow.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The phrase 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' signifies the slow and plodding nature of time, as described in the poem.

A.

It does not need physical monuments to be remembered.

B.

It requires a star-pointing pyramid.

C.

It needs the labor of an age in piled stones.

D.

It should be hidden under hallowed reliques.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The poet implies that Shakespeare's legacy does not need physical monuments to be remembered, as he has built a 'live-long Monument' through his works.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Simile

C.

Personification

D.

Alliteration
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The phrase 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' uses alliteration with the repetition of the 'l' sound.

A.

The fleeting nature of time

B.

The eternal legacy of Shakespeare

C.

The beauty of nature

D.

The importance of education
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The poem 'On Shakespear' by John Milton emphasizes the eternal legacy and lasting impact of Shakespeare's work.

A.

Cronos from ancient mythology

B.

A slow-moving clock

C.

A lead weight

D.

A lazy hour
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

'Envious Time' refers to Cronos from ancient mythology, who devoured each of his children at birth.

A.

Death and Chance

B.

Eternity and Divinity

C.

Truth and Peace

D.

Love and Joy
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Milton suggests that Eternity and Divinity triumph over Time, as they are eternal and not bound by temporal limitations.

A.

Ten

B.

Twenty

C.

Thirty

D.

Forty
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

John Milton began writing poetry at the age of ten.

A.

They are eternal elements that outshine temporal concerns.

B.

They are temporary distractions from life's challenges.

C.

They represent the struggles of human life.

D.

They are obstacles to achieving eternal bliss.
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Milton suggests that 'Truth, and Peace, and Love' are eternal virtues that shine perpetually, contrasting with the transient nature of temporal concerns.

A.

Metaphor

B.

Simile

C.

Alliteration

D.

Personification
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The phrase 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' personifies time, giving it human characteristics of being slow and heavy.

A.

A genetic disorder

B.

Eyestrain from years of late night reading

C.

An accident

D.

A viral infection
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

John Milton became blind due to eyestrain from years of late night reading.

A.

Piled stones

B.

A grand feast

C.

A royal decree

D.

A golden statue
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Milton suggests that Shakespeare does not need 'piled stones' or physical monuments for his legacy, as his works are a 'live-long Monument'.

A.

An individual kiss

B.

A golden crown

C.

A heavenly banquet

D.

A divine melody
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Milton writes that 'long Eternity shall greet our bliss with an individual kiss,' symbolizing a personal and eternal joy.

A.

It requires physical monuments to be remembered.

B.

It is immortalized through his works.

C.

It is dependent on public recognition.

D.

It is overshadowed by other poets.
Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Milton implies that Shakespeare's legacy is immortalized through his works, which serve as a 'live-long Monument' to his genius.

A.

A personal achievement

B.

A moment of divine revelation

C.

The eternal reward of bliss

D.

A fleeting moment of happiness
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The 'individual kiss' from Eternity signifies the eternal reward of bliss, as it represents the greeting of long-lasting joy and divine truth.

A.

Forty-five

B.

Thirty-five

C.

Fifty

D.

Forty
Correct Answer: A

Solution:

John Milton became totally blind at the age of forty-five due to eyestrain from years of late night reading.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem mentions that the supreme Throne guides human souls towards divinity.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that Milton's blindness was due to eyestrain from years of late-night reading.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The notes explain that Cronos, in mythology, consumed his children at birth.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem describes Time as consuming itself, which is a metaphorical representation.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that in the final years of his life, Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost' and 'Paradise Regained' through dictation.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem mentions triumphing over Death, Chance, and Time.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Milton suggests that a heavenly force guides human souls towards divinity, allowing them to triumph over earthly concerns.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' metaphorically describe the slow movement of time as perceived by the poet.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem describes how long Eternity shall greet our bliss with joy, as everything good and divine will shine.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that John Milton began writing poetry at the age of ten.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that Milton read almost everything available in these languages after his formal education.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In the poem, Milton describes Time as consuming itself after entombing everything bad.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem indicates that after Time has consumed everything, Eternity will greet bliss, suggesting that Eternity triumphs over Time.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The excerpt indicates that Milton was appointed as the Latin Secretary before he became blind due to eyestrain.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The excerpt indicates that John Milton was appointed Latin Secretary before he became blind due to eyestrain.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In the final years of his life, John Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost' and 'Paradise Regained' through dictation due to his blindness.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that after finishing his education at Cambridge, Milton was appointed Latin Secretary.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The notes in the excerpt explain that 'Envious Time' refers to Cronos, who devoured his children.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem describes how 'long Eternity shall greet our bliss' after 'thy greedy self consum'd' referring to Time.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem suggests that Shakespeare's work itself is a monument, negating the need for physical structures.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Milton's poem suggests that Shakespeare does not need physical monuments because his works have already built a 'live-long Monument' in the hearts of people.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem describes Time as 'envious' and consuming everything, similar to the mythological Cronos.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Milton was appointed as the Latin Secretary, not the Greek Secretary.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt explains that in ancient mythology, Cronos devoured each of his children at birth.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Milton wrote 'Paradise Lost' and 'Paradise Regained' through dictation, indicating he had assistance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Milton suggests that Shakespeare's legacy does not need physical monuments, as his works themselves are a lasting monument.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

John Milton worked so hard as a Latin Secretary that eyestrain from years of late night reading caused him to become totally blind at the age of forty-five.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Milton's poem suggests that human souls, guided by heavenly forces, will triumph over Time.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem describes Time as consuming itself, leading to eternity greeting us with bliss.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem refers to 'Envious Time' as a reference to Cronos from ancient mythology, not a lead weight.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that John Milton began writing poetry at the age of ten.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem suggests that human souls are guided towards divinity by heavenly guidance, not earthly achievements.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions a poem titled 'On Shakespear.' written by Milton in 1630.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem describes Time as envious and devouring, not nurturing or benevolent.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The poem contrasts the fleeting nature of time with the eternal joy and divinity that awaits beyond temporal concerns.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The poem suggests that souls are guided towards divinity by heavenly guidance, not earthly desires.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

John Milton's blindness was caused by eyestrain from years of late-night reading, as stated in the excerpt.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Milton argues that Shakespeare's works themselves are sufficient to immortalize his legacy.