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Euripides' 'Alcestis' and the "saint" of Milton's reparative twenty-third sonnet. (John Milton)

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From: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900
Date: 19930101
Author:Sokol, B.J.

John Milton's twenty-third sonnet has been interpreted in many ways due to the ambiguity surrounding the 'late espoused Saint' mentioned in the poem. Analysis of Milton's biography makes it most likely that he was referring to his first wife Mary Powell Milton. The poem should be interpreted as the author's reparation after their reconciliation for an earlier, discrediting poem he wrote about her during their separation. The reference to Euripides' 'Alcestis' is an allusion to Admetus' taint.

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