Publisher's Synopsis
Famous English poet John Milton produced a number of works, including "l'Allegro," "Il Penseroso," "Comus," and "Lycidas." A set of poems called "l'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso" address the conflicting emotions of pleasure and sorrow. While "Il Penseroso" emphasises the values of knowledge, learning, and meditation, "l'Allegro" praises the joys of life and the natural world. The masque "Comus" depicts the tale of a young woman's meeting with Comus, the god of excess and partying, and her brothers' efforts to save her. The drama examines issues of virtue, morality, and temptation, highlighting the need of restraint in the face of temptation. Milton wrote the pastoral elegy "Lycidas" in remembrance of his friend Edward King to convey his sadness and loss. The poem criticises the corruption and hypocrisy of the Church of England while mourning the death of a young life using the traditional forms of pastoral poetry. Themes and emotions covered by these Miltonian works often cover a wide spectrum, including joy, sadness, virtue, temptation, morality, sorrow, and spirituality. Milton explores the human experience via his poems, highlighting the beauty and importance of literature and art as a way to preserve memories and leave a lasting legacy.
