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 treason 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 equity 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 essence of keep is freedom to choose how one lives it. In another of Miltons works, the masque play Comus, the Elder Brothers statements 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 fi rst part of the Elder Brothers statement is, in fact, a comment on confidence, in response to his brothers question concerning the unfavorable 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 error-prone men call(a) Chance (584-588). The Elder Brothers remarks show that he believes in the triumph of the Spirit against all odds, including the Fates and Fortune. As he states, this I hold hard/ Virtue may be assaild but never hurt,/ Surprisd by unjust force but not enthralld, because it is founded upon the will and arm of Heavn (588-600). Miltons argument in the Areopagitica holds authentic to these ideas also, that we must have 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 audience over and over of the dut y they have to trust in the virtue of their fellow men just as God allowed pass 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