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Milton's two poets. (voices in John Milton's 'Lycidas')

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From: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900
Date: 19940101
Author:Fraser, Russell

John Milton's 'Lycidas' is a monody in a single voice, but a second voice unexpectedly surfaces toward the end. This may be attributed to Milton's lack of command of his medium, an imperfection in his art. On the other hand, Milton manages to complete his idea and close the poem using exigent form so that it suggests a seamless circle. The elliptical or imperfect ending distinguishes the poem from Milton's other works.

One is impersonal, honoring Iris postulates, while the other takes the wish for the deed and evades them. Milton's two poets oppose each other in "Lycidas," officially a ...

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