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Milton's 'Sonnet 18: On the Late Massacre in Piedmont.' (John Milton)

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From: The Explicator
Date: 19940101
Author:Price, Michael W.

John Milton's 'Sonnet 18' uses the biblical paradigm of vengeance and resolution in its two halves, the octave and the sestet. The octave echoes the Old Testament theme of vengeance, while the sestet reflects the New Testament theme of regeneration through sowing and reaping. While the form of the sonnet resolves the issue on the death of the Piemontese, the theme involving the perpetrators of the massacre offers no resolution. Rather, in contradiction to the form, the theme progresses from culpability to definite punishment, which is consistent with Milton's theology.

Avenge, O Lord, thy ...

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