Milton writes of the "spot of child-bed taint" from which "Purification in the old Law did save." After childbirth, the new mother must bring a sacrifice to the Temple. It is noteworthy that the sacrifice she is required to bring is identical to that which must be brought by a person who has violated a vow. That is no accident. We may reasonably assume that during the painful process of parturition the laboring mother says, "I'm never going to do this again!" But as soon as she holds her newborn baby in her arms, she completely forgets--and thereby violates--her oath.
Thank you, Mr. Bottum. This delicate contrast between the public and private voices is equal to the subtlety of the poem. The poem inspires gratitude for the Christian revelation of immortality, while acknowledging that the revelation leaves in place the intense suffering of loss in this life. The reunion is not now. "The poet of Paradise Lost" identifies himself as Odysseus or Aeneas attempting to embrace the departed loved one, and closing his arms on air. Milton the classicist is a tragedian and a Christian.
I love this poem which has been a constant in my life since I was a teenager. The dreamer awakes to re-confront his grief. The narrative behind the poem is very affecting. The sound scheme of the poem is very fitting. For me it always recalls a young woman I once knew. I discovered years later that she committed suicide in her twenties.
Milton writes of the "spot of child-bed taint" from which "Purification in the old Law did save." After childbirth, the new mother must bring a sacrifice to the Temple. It is noteworthy that the sacrifice she is required to bring is identical to that which must be brought by a person who has violated a vow. That is no accident. We may reasonably assume that during the painful process of parturition the laboring mother says, "I'm never going to do this again!" But as soon as she holds her newborn baby in her arms, she completely forgets--and thereby violates--her oath.
Read Paradise Lost, finally, around 3 years ago. The metaphysics, Satan's nature, the corruption of Eve,
were wonderfully done. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and also today's poem.
All I can say is, more Milton please!
Thank you, Mr. Bottum. This delicate contrast between the public and private voices is equal to the subtlety of the poem. The poem inspires gratitude for the Christian revelation of immortality, while acknowledging that the revelation leaves in place the intense suffering of loss in this life. The reunion is not now. "The poet of Paradise Lost" identifies himself as Odysseus or Aeneas attempting to embrace the departed loved one, and closing his arms on air. Milton the classicist is a tragedian and a Christian.
I love this poem which has been a constant in my life since I was a teenager. The dreamer awakes to re-confront his grief. The narrative behind the poem is very affecting. The sound scheme of the poem is very fitting. For me it always recalls a young woman I once knew. I discovered years later that she committed suicide in her twenties.