Some Hidden Facts of John Milton's Life

John Milton, the renowned English poet and writer, led a fascinating life filled with remarkable achievements and intriguing aspects. Here are some lesser-known hidden facts about John Milton's life:

 

Visual Impairment and Blindness:

One of the most significant hidden aspects of Milton's life is his visual impairment. Milton began experiencing vision problems in his early 30s and eventually became completely blind by the age of 43. Despite his blindness, Milton continued to write and dictate his works, including his epic masterpiece, "Paradise Lost," with the help of assistants.

 

Political Activism:

Milton was actively involved in politics and held strong political convictions. He championed republican ideals and advocated for the abolition of the monarchy. During the English Civil War, Milton served as a propagandist for the Commonwealth, writing influential political tracts in support of the Parliamentarians.

 

Marriage and Personal Tragedy:

Milton's personal life was marked by both happiness and tragedy. He married three times, with his first two marriages ending in the untimely deaths of his wives. His first wife, Mary Powell, left him after a month of marriage, but they eventually reconciled. Tragically, his second wife, Katherine Woodcock, died shortly after their marriage. Milton's third marriage to Elizabeth Minshull brought him lasting companionship and support.

 

Polyglot and Linguistic Abilities:

Milton possessed exceptional linguistic abilities and was a polyglot. He was fluent in several languages, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, French, and Spanish. His extensive knowledge of languages allowed him to draw from a wide range of literary and philosophical sources, enriching his works with diverse influences.

 

Education and Intellectual Pursuits:

Milton received an excellent education, attending the prestigious St. Paul's School and then proceeding to Christ's College, Cambridge. He excelled academically and developed a reputation for his intellectual prowess. Milton's voracious appetite for knowledge led him to become a lifelong scholar, constantly seeking to expand his understanding of various subjects.

 

Controversial Writing and Censorship:

Milton's writings often courted controversy and drew the attention of authorities. His pamphlet "Areopagitica" is a renowned defense of freedom of speech and expression. However, his radical ideas and provocative writing style brought him under scrutiny, and some of his works were banned or censored during his lifetime.

 

Influence on Later Writers:

Milton's works have had a profound impact on subsequent generations of writers and thinkers. His epic poem "Paradise Lost" in particular continues to be widely studied and regarded as one of the greatest works in the English language. Many renowned authors, including William Blake, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and T.S. Eliot, drew inspiration from Milton's writings and incorporated his themes and ideas into their own works.

 

John Milton's life was filled with remarkable accomplishments and fascinating aspects that often go unnoticed. From his visual impairment and political activism to his linguistic abilities and enduring literary influence, these hidden facts shed light on the multi-faceted nature of this influential poet and writer.