What According to Milton is the Purpose of Poetry?
Poetry has long been thought of as an expression of art and emotion. But, what did the 17th century poet and scholar John Milton think about the purpose of poetry? He stated that poetry was “an Echo of Divine Inspiration” and that inspiration was the main purpose of poetry. In this article, we will discuss Milton’s beliefs, the influence of religious and classical elements in poetry, and how it pertained to his works.
Milton believed that it was poetic expressions that triggered and stimulated readers’ imagination. He viewed poetry as a way to evoke powerful emotions that would have the power to move and change cultures and people. As he explained in his work Conversations on the Sacred Poetry of the Ancients (1642): “the lofty expressions of poetry enable us to rise above ourselves and to engage in contemplation of the divine”. This suggests that Milton believed that poetry was a tool for experiencing and interpreting the world, and that it should be connected to spiritual knowledge and faith.
Milton also believed that the poets of classical Greece, Rome and his own era needed to be infused with religious faith. They had the power to infuse their works with divine statements, as did Homer and Virgil. Milton placed great emphasis on the classical poets of Greece and Rome, believing that by uniting their works with the idea of ‘divine inspiration’, he could create a higher purpose for his own works. This means that he used the power of the language of poetry to communicate spiritual messages.
Milton’s primary focus was on religious faith and he believed that by studying the ancient poets, he could gain insight into the ways in which their works could be used to communicate spiritual messages. He used these lessons to further his own works, and to build upon their powerful religious messages. An example of this can be seen in his epic poem, Paradise Lost. The poem reveals Milton’s interpretation of the biblical story of Adam and Eve, and the consequences of their disobedience. Through his powerful poetic language, Milton conveys a powerful message about the dangers of sin and the importance of repentance and redemption. Milton’s goal was to combine elements of the Bible with classical poetry in order to create a powerful, spiritual message.
Milton’s works serve as an example of how powerful spiritual messages can be expressed through poetry. He was able to combine religious faith with classical literature to create powerful works of art. Milton believed that the purpose of poetry was to inspire readers to think deeper and contemplate on divine matters, and his works provide a vivid illustration of this concept.
Classical Greek and Roman Poetry
Milton favored Classical Greek and Roman poetry, and relied heavily on the works of Homer and Virgil to create his own works. He believed that by utilizing the language of Homer and Virgil, he could make powerful statements about faith and belief. His Paradise Lost is filled with references to Homer and Virgil, and Milton used Homer’s Epic structure to tell the story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. He also echoed Virgil’s Aeneid by providing a story of a hero seeking his destiny, with Satan as his guide.
Milton also used words and phrases from the Latin language to create his own works. He believed that by utilizing ancient texts, he could draw upon the power of language to express powerful feelings and ideas. For example, he uses the Latin phrase ‘Lucifer’ to describe Satan, a villainous figure in the world of his poem. This phrase captures the darkness and power of the character, and conveys the themes of pride and deception that Milton wished to explore.
Milton’s use of classical Greek and Roman poetry in the Paradise Lost was essential in conveying the rich theological themes of the poem. His use of Homer and Virgil allowed him to combine the power of classical and religious thought, and to create a powerful statement about human nature and our relationship to the divine.
Satire in Milton’s Work
Although Milton’s primary purpose was to convey spiritual messages in his works, he was also highly critical of the church and religious hierarchy at the time. He used satire to express his criticisms, and his allusions to Classical Greek, Latin and Hebrew literature allowed him to express his views without directly attacking any particular individual or institution.
Milton also utilised satire in his portrayal of characters such as Satan and Adam. Satan is often portrayed as a protagonist and Milton often allowed him to express his own views. This use of satire allowed Milton to show that characters often contain conflicting emotions, and he was able to use the power of language to create an evocative juxtaposition.
Milton’s use of satire not only highlighted his displeasure with the religious hierarchies of the time, but it also allowed him to express complex ideas through the use of powerful language. His satire allowed him to convey powerful messages about the political and religious systems of the time.
Role of Nature in Milton’s Work
Milton was heavily influenced by the natural world and often used the power of nature to create powerful images and metaphors in his works. In Paradise Lost, the natural world is portrayed as a reflection of the divine and Milton used the power of the natural world to express his spiritual views.
Milton often wrote about the contrast between the beauty and power of nature, and the darkness of humanity. He used metaphors of rivers, storms and darkness to emphasise his beliefs about human nature and our relationship to the divine. This can be seen in his use of the River Styx to symbolise the punishment of hell, and the dark storm clouds which accompany the temptation of Adam and Eve.
Milton’s use of nature was crucial to the spiritual themes of his work. He used the beauty of nature and its power to convey powerful ideas and to illustrate his message of repentance and redemption.
Understanding of Human Nature
Milton also used his works to explore his understanding of human nature. Through the character of Satan and his portrayal of Adam and Eve, Milton expressed his views on pride, deceit, and the nature of human greed. By combining these two characters with the themes of divine punishment and redemption, Milton conveyed an understanding of human nature that still resonates today.
Satan’s character is often portrayed as an embodiment of the extremes of human ambition and pride. These traits are often contrasted with the meek and obedient behaviour of Adam and Eve. In this way, Milton links Satan’s rebellion and ambition to Adam’s punishment and downfall. By drawing this connection, Milton illustrates the consequences of pride and the need for repentance and redemption.
Milton also expressed his views on the human capacity for deceit and manipulation. By exploring Adam and Eve’s journey through the Garden of Eden, Milton reveals his belief that all humans are subject to temptation and manipulation, and that each person has an individual responsibility to remain true to their faith.
Finally, Milton also expressed his views on the nature of human greed and ambition through his depiction of Satan. He often portrays Satan as an embodiment of ambition and pride, and emphasizes the consequences of pursuing these goals. By using religious themes alongside classical elements of literature, Milton hoped to express the need for inner peace and spiritual growth.
Contribution to the Literary Canon
Milton’s works had a lasting influence on the literary canon and his use of religious and classical elements of literature, combined with his understanding of human nature, can be seen in works of literature to this day. His Paradise Lost serves as an example of how powerful spiritual messages can be conveyed through the use of literature, and it introduced artists to the power of combining spiritual and classical themes.
Milton’s works have also inspired generations of readers and writers and his views on the purpose of poetry have been carried forward by a number of contemporary authors. His works continue to inspire readers to think deeply and contemplate on divine matters, and his use of powerful language and images remain a testament to the lasting power of literature.
Influence on Poetry and Art
Milton’s works were also hugely influential in the development of poetry and art, and his use of classical and religious themes can be seen in the works of many of the great poets and artists of the 18th and 19th centuries. Writers such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats all drew influence from Milton’s works, and they incorporated his themes of faith, redemption and divine inspiration into their writings. In addition to this, Milton’s influence can also be seen in the works of the Pre-Raphaelites, who used classical elements of literature to create powerful images of moral and religious themes.
Milton’s works continue to be highly relevant in the modern world, and his beliefs about the purpose of poetry still resonate today. He believed that poetry should be a vehicle for expressing powerful spiritual messages and conveying meaningful insights into the human condition. His works remain a testament to this idea, and continue to engage readers and inspire artists to this day.
