“Utopia” & “Paradise Lost” Shyzaiah Garland Mrs. Eckman Wissler British Literature 31 October 2016

EQ: How did these authors work affect the Renaissance Era?

Who is Thomas More? Thomas More, author, martyr, saint, philosopher and humanist. Before More was writing books and traveling around as a counsler to Henry the 8th he was an english lawyer. More also considered becoming a monk, following the rules and lifestyle but also had his career to think about. After realizing he couldn't convert to the monk lifestyle More entered the Parliament in 1504. During 1516 is when he wrote Utopia and wrote about topics, like communism and hierarchy, topics some would not talk about.

Changes in the Renaissance Era led to changes in literature Literature was dramatically changing at this time. English was becoming known and became the official language in 1362 replacing French. Due to this change this meant that stories were changing as well. Stories were also changing now because humanism was brought into play. Humanism made people think more about life and human nature around them. Stories were now being told to have people think and questions themselves. One famous Humanist is Sir Thomas More, the author of “Utopia” and another famous story is “Paradise Lost”, written by John Milton.

“Utopia” by Sir Thomas More Sir Thomas More was the first to coin the term Utopia. A Utopia is onces perfect place, containing a perfect government, laws and society. More’s book “Utopia” is a reason ruled society, with ideal political economic and social customs. More’s utopia also discussed punishment, social hierarchy and education. This was the start of Utopian Literature. “Utopia” by Sir Thomas More

Society's Response to “Utopia” Many higher ups appreciated Mores views on hierarchy and took some of his advice to their ruling. Henry the 8th even reached out to More to be his consultant.Mores story influenced many like Hobbes “Leviathan”, Locke's “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding” and other authors.

Life for More after the book… More got much popularity after story was published. One person who took an interest in More was Henry the 8th. Henry the 8th made More one of his counselors and occasionally went to More for advice and help against those against him, like Martin Luther. Due to all the work More had done he was then elected Speaker of the House of Commons in 1523. Though in 1527 things started getting rocky between More and Henry the 8th when realizing they do not have the same viewpoints. This led to Mores resignation of Speaker of the House of Commons. After his resignation More was accused of strategizing with Elizabeth Barton, enemy of Henry the 8th. More was found guilty of treason and beheaded on July 6th.

Who Is John Milton? John Milton is a writer, historian and poet. Milton is best known for writing the epic poem “Paradise Lost”. John Milton spent the beginning of his adult years living with his family studying and also writing several poems. John Milton wrote about his life a lot, when his friend died he wrote an elegy in his memory and when he divorced his wife The Divorce Tracts which stated the availability of divorce.Milton also had a strong viewpoint on politics. Milton was against the Church of England and occasionally wrote pamphlets expressing his views. Around 1659 Milton was arrested because the role he played in the fall of Charles I and rise of Commonwealth but later released.

After being released in 1667 Milton wrote “Paradise Lost”, a 10 volume story and is known to be one his his best work. “Paradise Lost” is a story of how Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eve. Due to popularity Milton wrote a second volume, “Paradise Regained” a story about how Jesus overcame Satans temptations. The final book was “Samson Agonistes” the story tells how Samson falls into temptation and then redeems himself. Paradise Lost

Society's response to Paradise Lost The talk of heaven and hell was new in the Renaissance Era and wasn't common to be talked about. The story caught the eyes of rebels. Many writers in the Renaissance Era were interested in Milton's story. John Dryden was so intrigued with Paradise Lost that he got permission from Milton to have Paradise Lost in his own story.

Life for Milton after the book... After a 12 volume book was made from his stories John Milton died.

How the Renaissance Era affected Paradise Lost, The Renaissance Era featured the same topics mentioned in Paradise Lost like Christianity, Hellenism, Individualism and Humanism.

Work cited Http://iiui.academia.edu/UmamaShah. "Impact of Renaissance on Paradise Lost." Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016. "16th Century Dreams: Thomas More." 16th Century Dreams: Thomas More. Http://www.bl.uk/copyrightstatement.html, 04 Apr. 2006. Web. 03 Nov. 2016. "Utopia." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016 "I Found Great Synonyms for "discussion" on the New Thesaurus.com!" Www.thesaurus.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016 Philosophy, By Individual Philosopher. "Sir Thomas More By Individual Philosopher Philosophy." Sir Thomas More By Individual Philosopher Philosophy. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016. "MILTON AND THE CRITICS:." Milton and the Critics: The Reception of Paradise Lost. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016. "Sir Thomas More & Utopia." Sir Thomas More & Utopia. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016.

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