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Milton's heroical sonnets. (John Milton)

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From: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900
Date: 19950101
Author:Schlueter, Kurt

John Milton's sonnets to Fairfax, Cromwell and Vane may have been modeled on the ancient prayer hymns, and should not be read as actual addresses to historical figures. The historical studies of the sonnets are somewhat misguided in seeking factual relevance rather than realizing the use of factual reference as a literary device. It is likely that Milton chose to include addresses to historical figures to give his literary creations a specific reference point and identity, but the topics he addresses are not of a temporal nature.

Scholars agree that Milton's sonnets to Fairfax, Cromwell, and ...

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