Lecture 5 - Poetry and Marriage << previous session | next session >>

Overview:

This second lecture on Milton's masque probes its complex depictions of virginity and chastity. The version of the masque performed in 1634 is compared with the published version of 1637, with particular emphasis on a monologue on the vanquishing powers of virginity that is created for the latter. The poet's commonplace book, specifically his notes on the self-mutilation of the medieval nuns of Coldingham, is linked to images of the body in the masque. Milton's gradual revision of his initial position favoring life-long virginity is described in detail.

Reading assignment:

John Milton. Complete Poems and Major Prose. (Hughes):
Re-read Comus, focusing on lines 778-805, 975-1010 (added in 1637 to published version)

Recommended:
Spenser, The Faerie Queene II.x.13-20 (Sabrina episode), II.xii.42-87 (Bower of Bliss), III.vi (Garden of Adonis)

For Section Discussion:

John Milton. Complete Poems and Major Prose. (Hughes):
Sonnet VII: "How soon hath Time" (1631), p. 76
Sonnet IX: "Lady that in the prime" (1645), p. 141
Sonnet XIX: "When I consider" (1652), p. 168
Comus, pp. 86-89

Class lecture:

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