"Pastures New": John Milton's "Lycidas"

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Jan 12, 2025

Explore John Milton's transformation as a poet, showcasing his move from pastoral styles to epic narratives. Delve into 'Lycidas,' a heartfelt elegy honoring a friend, filled with personal aspirations and historical significance. Discover the intricate layers of mourning, artistic ambition, and the quest for legacy woven throughout the poem. The discussion also highlights Milton's unique structure and meter, alongside his critiques of clergy through pastoral elements. Finally, reflect on the lasting impact of Milton's work in the literary world.

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INSIGHT

Poet's Progression

17th-century poets followed a career progression similar to a trade apprenticeship, starting with simpler forms like pastorals.
This model, influenced by Sidney's Defense of Poetry, culminated in the epic, mirroring Virgil's trajectory.

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ANECDOTE

Milton's Path

Milton, like other poets, followed this model, starting with pastoral forms before Paradise Lost.
He loved Spenser, calling him "a better teacher than Aquinas," possibly reflecting his rebellious nature against his Catholic father.

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ANECDOTE

Lycidas and Early Works

Lycidas commemorates Edward King's drowning, but Milton uses it to explore his poetic path and critique the Church.
Milton's earlier poems, L'Allegro and Il Penseroso, showcase pastoral conventions and classical allusions, acting as a "poetic CV."

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Milton's Elegy: Layers of 'Lycidas'

05:24 • 8min

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Exploring the Layers of Milton's 'Lycidas'

13:26 • 3min

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Mourning and Aspiration in 'Lycidas'

16:17 • 8min

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Pastoral and Ecclesiastical Critique in 'Lycidas'

The Histories by Herodotus is a foundational work in Western historical literature. It chronicles the Greco-Persian Wars (499–479 BCE) and provides a comprehensive background on the rise and organization of the Persian Empire. The work is divided into nine books, each named after one of the Muses. Herodotus describes the conflicts between the Greeks and Persians, including key battles such as Marathon, Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, and Mycale. He also delves into the cultural, ethnographical, geographical, and historiographical aspects of the civilizations involved, offering a rich tapestry of historical and mythological narratives. Despite some criticisms for including legendary accounts, much of Herodotus's work has been validated by modern historians and archaeologists.

James Howard Mantinband

The faerie queene

Edmund Spenser

Edmund Spenser's "The Faerie Queene" is an epic poem that allegorically explores the virtues and vices of human nature. Through its intricate narrative and rich symbolism, the poem celebrates the ideals of chivalry, piety, and justice. The poem's characters and events are often interpreted as representing abstract concepts and moral lessons. Its complex structure and allegorical depth have made it a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. Its enduring influence on English literature is undeniable, shaping the development of epic poetry and allegorical writing.

Paradise Lost

John Milton

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights.

Beowulf

Anonymous

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem that chronicles the daring deeds of its titular hero, Beowulf. The story begins with Beowulf's journey to help King Hrothgar of the Danes, whose mead hall, Heorot, is terrorized by the monster Grendel. Beowulf kills Grendel and later Grendel's mother, then returns to his homeland to become king of the Geats. After ruling for 50 years, he faces his final battle against a fire-breathing dragon, which ultimately leads to his death. The poem explores themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle between civilization and wilderness.

Pharsalia

Lucan

Lucan's "Pharsalia" is an epic poem that recounts the Roman Civil War between Julius Caesar and Pompey. It's a significant work of Roman literature, known for its dramatic narrative and its exploration of political power and ambition. The poem is written in a distinctive style, characterized by its vivid descriptions and its focus on the psychological aspects of the conflict. Its influence on later epic poetry is notable, shaping literary styles and inspiring new interpretations. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its compelling story and its exploration of timeless themes of power, ambition, and betrayal. The work's impact on Western culture is undeniable.

Lycidas

John Milton

John Milton's "Lycidas" is a pastoral elegy written to commemorate the death of Edward King. The poem is a complex and multifaceted work that explores themes of grief, mortality, and the nature of poetic fame. It's known for its intricate use of classical allusions, its shifting tone, and its blend of personal emotion and intellectual reflection. The poem's innovative structure and its challenging blend of conventions and subversions have made it a subject of ongoing critical debate. Its enduring appeal lies in its exploration of timeless human concerns and its masterful use of language. The work's impact on English literature is undeniable.

L'allegro and Il penseroso

John Milton

John Milton's "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" are companion poems that explore contrasting moods: joy and melancholy. "L'Allegro" celebrates the pleasures of life, while "Il Penseroso" embraces solitude and contemplation. Both poems are characterized by their musicality, their use of vivid imagery, and their rich classical allusions. They represent an early stage in Milton's poetic development, showcasing his skill in handling various poetic forms and themes. Their enduring appeal lies in their exploration of fundamental human experiences and their elegant expression of contrasting moods. The poems' impact on English literature is undeniable.

A defense of poetry

Sir Philip Sidney

Sir Philip Sidney's "An Apology for Poetry" (also known as "The Defence of Poesy") is a seminal work of literary criticism. It defends the value and importance of poetry against those who considered it frivolous or immoral. Sidney argues that poetry possesses the power to teach virtue, move emotions, and delight the reader. He emphasizes the moral and intellectual benefits of poetry, positioning it as a powerful tool for shaping character and understanding the world. The work remains influential in shaping discussions about the nature and purpose of literature.

Lives of the poets

Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson's "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" is a collection of biographies and critical essays on major English poets. It's a significant work of literary criticism, offering insights into the lives and works of prominent figures in English literature. Johnson's writing style is known for its wit, clarity, and insightful observations. The work provides valuable historical context and critical perspectives on the poets discussed. Its enduring influence on literary studies is undeniable, shaping how we understand and appreciate English poetry.

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In 1638, John Milton -- whom many see as perhaps the (second) greatest poet in English -- produced what many think to be his first major poem: the pastoral elegy "Lycidas," written to memorialize the tragic death of a college classmate. Ah! But it's so much more than that!

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