Milton and Classical Predecessors - 967 Words

As shown in studies by researchers including Wilmon Brewer, the similarities between the works of Milton and his classical predecessors, such as Athenian bards Aeschylus and Sophocles, strongly suggest their inspiration upon his work. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Milton blatantly passed off the works of his influences as his own; his ingenuity manifests in the form of updated storylines and personalities for the characters in his epic poems, namely those in Samson Agonistes and Paradise Lost, both based upon stories in the Bible. With that in mind, he appointed exemplars from Scripture to his tragic masterpieces as they demonstrate the outcomes of sin: Satan, Adam, and Eve in Paradise Lost, and Samson in Samson Agonistes. Brewer states that Milton praised Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound, noting â€Å"To the work of Aeschylus Milton refers four times in passages of criticism. The references become more and more inclusive and increasingly favorable† (9 10). Indeed, Milton applauds his Athenian influences in the preface of Agonistes, calling them â€Å"unequalled yet by any, and the best to rule all who endeavor to write tragedy† (qtd. in Brewer 911). Brewer interprets this as holding the Athenians in higher regard over Shakespeare, whom Milton also admired. He suggests Aeschylus’ trilogy on the death of Agamemnon prompted Milton’s admiration for drama portraying human suffering. As the subject of the popular saying, â€Å"pride comes before the fall,† Satan’s arrogance isShow MoreRelatedThe Female Character in the Epic Stories Paradise Lost and the Ramayana1555 Words   |  7 PagesTHE RAMAYANA [Name of the Student] [Name of the Instructor] [Subject] [Date] The Ramayana and Paradise Lost hold stories of ancient times that tend to explain the existence of two different cultures in the present world. 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