John Milton

How is John Milton’ life reflected in his works?
John Milton was born on December 9th 1608 (Tillyard 7) into a world that was increasingly ceding to the economic, political and religious pressures of Puritan England (Hill 22). Before his birth, the Anglican Church had split into three opposing sects: the high Anglicans, moderate Anglicans, and Puritan or Presbyterians who all fought for religious supremacy in England (Gardner). Because of the Reformation Milton’s family found itself divided. After converting to Protestantism: Milton’s father, John senior, was disinherited and consequently forced to try his luck in London (Hill, 22). Yet despite his disinheritance, John prospered as a moneylender (Tillyard, 9). John senior’s financial position allowed him to give his three children one of the best educations at St Paul’s Cathedral School (Nicolson 5). Although many of us forget our primary education, Milton’s time at St Paul’s remained ever-present throughout his life. Hi...