Literature Network » John Milton

Milton on Machiavelli: representations of the state in 'Paradise Lost.'

Content courtesy of

From: Renaissance Quarterly
Date: 19960922
Author:Riebling, Barbara

The Machiavellian element in John Milton's poem 'Paradise Lost,' reflects the basic conflict between civic and Christian virtue as depicted in Machiavelli's political works. By re-creating Machiavelli's prince in the guise of Satan, Milton rejects the divine orientation of princely rule. The poem re-echoes the Machiavellian political tradition which focuses on the corrupting influence of combining power and virtue in royalty. Milton's poem demonstrates the results of political and moral choices by alluding to the republican liberties in an utopian world as opposed to the oppressive world.

...

Read the rest of this article with a Free Trial at HighBeam Research.

Other Articles on John Milton

About Our Articles: We've partnered with Highbeam Research to provide these article excerpts for your research needs. However, due to copyright laws, we cannot publish the whole article. To view these articles in full length you'll need to use the link above to access the free trial at Highbeam.