Renaissance Poetry (331-0-20)

Topic

John Milton's Work in Context

Instructors

Regina Schwartz

Meeting Info

University Hall 018 English: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

We will study John Milton's poetry and prose in context, with sustained attention to the complexities of his art, the crisis of his times, the subtlety of his thought, and the extent of his influence. Milton's defenses of political, personal, and religious liberty, his self-presentation, and his grappling with key ethical questions involving free will, gender definitions, crime, authority, rebellion and redemption will be among the many concerns that arise as we explore his work in the context of the raging political and theological controversies of his time.

"There are three reasons for Milton's remaining a controversial figure: he gave such eloquent answers to questions that still divide mankind; he made his own character an issue in the public causes for which he fought; and as a poet he did not detach himself from his imaginative creation." James Holly Hanford

Class Materials (Required)

Texts will include either:

The Complete Poetry and Major Prose of John Milton, ed John Rumrich, Stephen Fallon and William Kerrigan (Modern Library) 0679642536

OR

Paradise Lost, ed Gordon Teskey 0393617084

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area