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title: "Poems by Milton"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 12"
subject: "English"
book: "Kaliedoscope"
chapter: "Poems by Milton"
chapter_slug: "poems-by-milton"
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# Poems by Milton
John Milton, a renowned English poet, began his writing journey at ten. Post his formal education at Cambridge, he immersed himself in a diverse range of literature across languages, ultimately becoming blind due to intense reading sessions. His final years saw him dictating monumental works like *Paradise Lost* and *Paradise Regained*.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Poems by Milton |
| Pages | 94-96 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter presents two poems by John Milton: *On Time* and *On Shakespeare*, exploring themes of time, mortality, and the immortal legacy of Shakespeare.

### Detailed Summary
In *On Time*, Milton depicts time as a consuming force that ultimately leads to death yet contrasts this with the promise of eternal joy and divine fulfillment. The poem questions the value of temporal gains versus eternal truths. In *On Shakespeare*, Milton asserts that Shakespeare’s literary legacy surpasses any physical monument. Through his poetry, Shakespeare creates a lasting monument in the minds and hearts of his readers. Both poems reflect Milton's deep appreciation for truth, art, and the transcendent nature of poetry.

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## Topic-Wise Explanation

### On Time
Milton characterizes time as envious and relentless, emphasizing its slow and heavy passage compared to the eternal bliss that awaits the soul beyond mortality.

### On Shakespeare
Milton argues that Shakespeare’s genius requires no physical tribute, as his works serve as an everlasting testament to his creativity and influence, resonating with readers across generations.

### Language Study
Etymology explores the origin and historical development of words. Notably, around 30% of English words have French origins, reflecting the linguistic influences post-Norman Conquest.

### Suggested Reading
Milton’s poem *On his Blindness* is recommended for further exploration of his themes and styles.

---

## Character Analysis
[No characters are explicitly mentioned in this chapter.]

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| The passage of Time | Milton presents time as an entity that consumes everything, leading to a contemplation of what is truly valuable. |
| The legacy of Shakespeare | Shakespeare’s impact is portrayed as immortal through his writings, making physical monuments redundant. |

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## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Etymology | The study of the history and derivation of words. |
| Temporal vs. Eternal | A contrasting theme in Milton's poems, examining the nature of worldly existence against spiritual truths. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Milton began writing poetry at a young age.
* He lost his sight due to extensive reading and work.
* *On Time* explores time's consuming nature and eternal joy.
* *On Shakespeare* emphasizes the lasting impact of Shakespeare’s works.
* Poetry as a monument is a key theme.
* Etymology reveals the influence of French on English vocabulary.
* Temporal achievements are portrayed as less significant than eternal truths.
* Milton’s poems reflect deep philosophical inquiries into existence.

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## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Entomb’d | To place in a tomb; to bury. |

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## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. At what age did Milton begin writing poetry?
2. What led to Milton's blindness?
3. What does Milton express about the legacy of Shakespeare?
4. How does Milton characterize time in *On Time*?
5. What is the significance of etymology according to the chapter?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Discuss the themes of temporal versus eternal in Milton's poem *On Time*.
2. Analyze how Milton honors Shakespeare in *On Shakespeare* and the implications of his views on literary legacy.
3. Explain the significance of studying etymology as presented in this chapter.

---

## Related Concepts
[No additional concepts are explicitly mentioned in the context.]

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66defd183f8b4e9e69bde5b1 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-poems-by-milton |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-english-kaliedoscope-poems-by-milton.md |