This course examines the life and work of English poet John Milton (1608–1674) to understand the richness and depth of his poetry, its representation of 17th-century English life and culture, and its impact on later writers and English literary history as a whole.
Chief among these writings is Paradise Lost, perhaps the greatest epic poem in the English language. You also review:
- Milton’s early poetry
- "Lycidas"
- Areopagitica
- political Milton
- Paradise Regained
- Samson Agonistes.
Professor Lerer combines close readings of selected passages with biographical information and discussions of larger themes: sin and judgment, authority and revolt, love and hate, pride and humility, ambition and failure.