Freedom and Virtue in John Miltons Comus and Areopagitica :: Comus and Areopagitica Essays

Freedom and virtuein John Miltons Comus and Areopagitica The martyred author of Utopia, Sir Thomas More-executed for imposture against the king-is credited with the final words, If I must live in a world in which I cannot act within my conscience, I do not wish to live Generations later, the fiery patriotism and explicit forthrightness of Patrick Henry led him to utter the renowned Give me Liberty or give me death Along the same lines of these two men, John Miltons Areopagitica argues that the snapper of life is freedom to choose how one lives it. In another of Miltons works, the masquerade play Comus, the Elder Brothers estatements concerning virtue establish some of the foundations for his argument in the work he wrote in order to deliver the press from the restraints with which it was encumbered (716). The root of Miltons assertions lies in his complete hope in the prevailing of virtue. In these two works, confidence in virtue and in the ability of good men to practice it is crucial. The first part of the Elder Brothers statement is, in fact, a comment on confidence, in response to his brothers question concerning the negative odds stacked against the Lady, their sister. He says, Yes, and keep confidence still,/ Lean on it safely . . . against the threats/ Of malice or of sorcery, or that power/ Which erring men cry (out) Chance (584-588). The Elder Brothers remarks show that he believes in the mirth of the heart and soul against all odds, including the Fates and Fortune. As he states, this I hold firm/ Virtue may be assaild but never hurt,/ Surprisd by unjust thread but not enthralld, because it is founded upon the will and arm of Heavn (588-600). Miltons argument in the Areopagitica holds consecutive to these ideas also, that we must afford confidence in virtue and its ability to triumph over all trials and temptations because-if it is truly of God-it will stand predominant over all evils. In outlining his argument, Milton reminds his au dience over and over of the duty they have to trust in the virtue of their fellow men just as God allowed Adam to have the choice to err, so must the state give men the right to choose, to try their own ideas of virtue. The Spirit describes great Comus . . . whose pleasing poison