Reading Milton’s works chronologically offers a unique perspective on his development as a writer. Beginning with his early poems like “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” and progressing through his prose works such as “Areopagitica,” a reader can trace the evolution of his style and ideas. For example, understanding his early religious leanings provides context for his later epic poems. Exploring his sonnets, often overlooked, reveals the personal and political struggles that influenced his more famous creations. A chronological approach culminates with “Paradise Lost” and “Paradise Regained,” allowing one to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of these masterpieces by understanding the foundation upon which they were built.
A structured reading of Milton’s canon allows for a richer understanding of his political and theological beliefs, as well as the historical context in which he wrote. His works reflect the turbulent times of the English Civil War and the Restoration, offering invaluable insight into 17th-century thought. Tracing his arguments for freedom of speech and his changing views on government reveals the depth of his intellectual engagement with the issues of his day. This approach provides a clearer understanding of his influence on subsequent generations of writers and thinkers.
