Neverending Skies: Milton's Use of Astronomy in Paradise Lost

Abstract

Our Universe is ever expanding and seemingly infinite. And while these concepts are things that we in the modern era take for granted, this was not the case in the day of the English poet John Milton. Having lived during the time of Galileo and being as wide read as he famously was, the study of Astronomy had a major impact on Milton’s works. Milton’s most notable work, Paradise Lost , makes many allusions to the astronomical theories of the day. Understanding Milton’s use of Astronomy within Paradise Lost will allow for a better understanding of Milton’s ideas on the topic, and explain how these ideas may manifest in his works.