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Class 12 Science (PCM)

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Poems by Milton

Poems by Milton

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Learning Objectives

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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.

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Revision Notes & Summary

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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?
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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

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Multiple Choice Questions

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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Poems by Milton

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True or False

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: True

Solution:

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

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

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

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

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

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:

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

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

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

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

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

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