John Milton: A Literary Titan of English Literature
John Milton (1608–1674) is one of the towering figures in English literature—a poet, polemicist, and civil servant whose works continue to inspire readers centuries after his death. Born in London and educated at Cambridge University, Milton initially aspired to be a clergyman but found his true calling in poetry. Despite personal tragedies, including blindness in his later years, he produced some of the most enduring works of literature while advocating for political and religious freedom during a tumultuous period in England’s history. Major Literary Works Milton’s career spanned both prose and poetry, each reflecting his deep engagement with the pressing issues of his time. Prose Writings: Milton’s prose was often polemical, addressing social, political, and religious challenges. His Areopagitica (1644), a passionate defense of free speech, remains strikingly relevant today. Another notable work, Eikonoklastes (1649), critiqued monarchical systems that exploited their sub...