Date of Award
4-1991
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
English
First Advisor
Dr. Louis Schwartz
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan Loxterman
Third Advisor
Dr. Gardner Campbell
Abstract
Within his poetry and prose, John Milton shows a respect for the authors of antquity while simultaneously seeking his own voice, a style that makes him different from and better than his predecessors. Milton's works contain expressions of these Renaissance characteristics: the appreciation of the Classics, the search for a more personal relationship with God, and the attempt to achieve some individuality; however, even in the smallest of literary figures such as the Orphean allusions, the need to combine a respect for the past with the ambition for a uniquely personal voice as a poet exists. The isolation of the Classical literary figure of Orpheus shows Milton's struggle to combine his respect for the past and need to be freed from its influence.
Recommended Citation
Cooke, Kathryn Nyreen, ""This enterprise non shall partake with me." : Milton's conquering of his precursors through orphean allusions" (1991). Master's Theses. 570.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/masters-theses/570