Paradise Lost: Context

Question 1

Religious tensions of Miltons time

Answer 1

The reformation had fragmented Christianity which led to conflicts between catholic and Protestants.
Milton was a Protestant, specifically a puritan. He viewed the Catholic Church as oppressive and tyrannical

Question 2

Why was Milton arrested?

Answer 2

Milton’s beliefs about the commonwealth (defended it- secretary of foreign tongues) and his anti-monarch beliefs (threat to the newly restored monarchy) were seen as treasonous.
He argued that power corrupts and that there wouldn’t be a single ruler who could not adequately represent the interests of the people. He advocated for a republican form of government where power resided in people or council of representatives.

Question 3

What does the poem reflect?

Answer 3

The puritan emphasis on individual responsibility, divine providence and the complexities of moral choice

Question 5

Doctrine and discipline of divorce (1643)

Answer 5

Milton argued for the legality of divorce under certain circumstances. He had 3 wives.

Question 6

What did the civil war lead to?

Answer 6

The temporary abolition of the monarchy which led to the establishment of the commonwealth where Milton was the secretary of foreign tongues which was under Cromwell.