Individual Post: Historical Information

As we have established in class, John Milton's life was encompassed by a world filled with politics and religion. Milton lived through four different rulers, a civil war, and the death of some close relatives(supported by Marjorie D.). It is unthinkable to assume that such events play only a minor role in his career as a writer. While reading Paradise Lost, it is important to remember these influences, but also to grasp a better understanding of them.

During the rule of King Charles, Charles aimed to unite England Scotland and Ireland into one kingdom. When Parliament advised against such actions, Charles dissolved parliament. With Parliament dissolved Charles continued his rule by himself, however without Parliament he had insufficient funds.

When king Charles tried to press the Anglican Church on the Scottish (who were Calvinists), he was quickly confronted with a revolt. Now, eleven years after Charles dissolved Parliament, he had no other choice but to ask them for help. They agreed to help as long as their own demands were met. As political issues began to work themselves out, religious views introduced more contempt, and gave way to the English Civil War. This war was fought between King Charles (with his Royalist supporters) and Parliament (the Roundheads).

By this time Oliver Cromwell, who Milton found himself working for, had become a powerful player in Parliament. Cromwell played a vital role in the military forces that rose up against Charles I's army, as well as other rebellions. Once King Charles was defeated and beheaded in 1649 Cromwell became the Lord Protector. Shortly after  Cromwell is given his title, he too dissolves Parliament. Throughout his time as dictator, Cromwell calls three separate parliaments, but remained unsatisfied with all of them. After Cromwell dies, his son Richard took to ruling, but was soon seen as a weak leader and was replaced by Charles II in 1658.

By 1659, Milton goes into hiding, and by 1660 the Monarchy is fully restored. Seven years later,in 1667, Milton makes his first publication of Paradise Lost (10 book version); and later in 1674 he publishes a 12 book version and dies shortly after. 

** background information taken from class and can also be found at:

http://history.boisestate.edu/WESTCIV/english/

Rebecca R.