John Milton | Areopagitica | A Review
John Milton’s ‘Areopagitica’-A Review
John Milton’s “Areopagitica” is a powerful and influential essay that argues for freedom of speech and against censorship. Written in 1644, during a time of political turmoil in England, the essay was addressed to Parliament, and specifically to the Licensing Order of 1643, which required all books to be licensed by the government before they could be published.
In the essay, Milton uses a combination of classical references, religious arguments, and appeals to reason and common sense to make his case. He begins by acknowledging the importance of a free press and the value of knowledge and learning, arguing that censorship is harmful to both individuals and society as a whole.
Milton then goes on to criticize the Licensing Order specifically, arguing that it gives too much power to the government and creates an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. He argues that this kind of censorship not only suppresses the truth but also leads to the spread of lies and misinformation, as people are forced to rely on rumors and hearsay.
Throughout the essay, Milton draws on his own experiences as a writer and publisher, highlighting the difficulties he faced in getting his own works published, and the importance of allowing people to express their own opinions freely. He argues that censorship does not work, because it only drives underground the ideas that the government is trying to suppress, making them more dangerous and harder to control.
Milton’s argument is not simply that free speech is a natural right, but that it is essential for the progress of society. He believes that a free exchange of ideas and opinions is necessary for the discovery of truth and the advancement of knowledge. In this sense, the essay is not only a defense of freedom of speech, but also a call to action for people to actively seek out new ideas and challenge conventional wisdom.
In conclusion, “Areopagitica” is a powerful and eloquent defense of freedom of speech and a powerful critique of censorship. Its arguments are as relevant today as they were in 1644, and it remains a landmark work in the history of political thought and civil liberties. 0 0 0.
John Milton | Areopagitica | A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of John Milton’s Literary Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
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