Paradise Lost Historical Context(AO3) Flashcards
(31 cards)
What sort of poem is paradise lost ?
EPIC POEM
What religious group did john Milton belong to ?
Milton was a puritan
What essay did Milton write advocating for the right to divorce ?
A doctrine of discipline and divorce
What position did Milton hold under the English republic ?
Secretary of foreign tongues
Why was Milton considered hypocritical during his political career ?
Despite being a supporter of free speech and the republic, he became a government censor
What type of political views did Milton publish ?
Anti-monarchy sentiments
Why was Milton considered a rebel and what risk did he face ?
He opposed the monarchy and faced threats of imprisonment or death after the monarchy was restored
How were marriages typically arranged in the medieval period ?
They were often arranged by families, with mutual consent desirable but personal liking or love not required
What marriage rights did children gain by the 17th century ?
They were given the right of refusal, though parents still held considerable control
How did the Protestant reformation impact ideas about marriage ?
It increased emphasis on the individual and the couples relationship.
What influenced marriage choices in middle and upper classes ?
Community values, parental interests and sometimes the wider family expectations
What did the 1652 marriage act set as the legal age ?
16 for men and 14 for women, with parental consent needed for those under 21.
Why was paradise lost written ?
It was Written to justify the ways of god to man
What were marriages used for during this time period within the upper class ?
Gain of status, land or tangible reward, stop wars/ arguments between families.
They were very much political and connection between the two people was very much irrelevant.
What years did Milton’s first marriage last from ?
1642-1652
Who did Milton marry as his first wife ?
Mary Powell
What was bizarre about Miltons first marriage ?
A few months after there wedding, Mary returned to her family residence after a couple month of marriage. Being absent for 3 years
How many children did Milton have ?
4, son died however
Who were Milton’s following two wives after Mary’s death in 1652 ?
Catherine woodcock
Elizabeth minshull
What is the doctrine of divorce ?
An essay by john Milton arguing for the right to divorce on ground of incompatibility.
What year was the doctrine of divorce published ?
1643
Why did john Milton write the doctrine of divorce ?
He was unhappy in his own marriage to Mary Powell
What was the public and governmental reaction to the doctrine of divorce ?
It was highly controversial and criticised by religious authorities and parliament.
What year was paradise lost published ?
1667
