Royalists and Parlimentarians
The English Civil War was a conflict between royalists, or the supporters of the king, and parliamentarians, supporters of Parliament. In the first stage of the war, and when Milton was writing “Areopagitica,” the king was Charles I. In 1649, he was executed, a move Milton supported. After that, the crown passed to his son, Charles II, who continued leading the royalist army for several more years. Royalists are oddly absent from “Areopagitica”—Milton treats Parliament as the legitimate government, and thus avoids reference to the king. However, in “The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates,” he argues that the people have the right and the obligation to execute Charles I.
Papists
Milton often refers to “papists.” The term is a derogatory name for Catholics which emphasizes the role of the Pope. The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. In Milton’s time, he still exercised substantial political power, which made many people see him as a threat to English sovereignty. The Pope was also known for his vast wealth, which Protestants saw as a sign of his corruption and lack of real religious feeling. The term “papists” thus encourages people to see Catholicism in terms of one of its most unpopular elements.
The Common People
Another important figure in “Areopagitica” is “the common people.” The phrase refers to the large group of English people without aristocratic blood or substantial political power. Parliament was made up of a House of Lords, who represented the aristocracy, and a House of Commons, who represented this group. Milton often refers to the dignity of the common people, and pushes Parliament to pass laws that preserve that dignity.
Authors
In “Areopagitica,” Milton treats the figure of the author with respect. Someone who has written a book has become an expert in their subject. They occupy a teaching role in society, and it’s insulting for them to be subjected to oversight by the government.
Licensors
Licensors are one of the primary targets of Milton’s critique in “Areopagitica.” They are the men entrusted with the responsibility of determining what books can be printed. Milton is careful to avoid openly denigrating the current licensors, although he notes that they have become difficult to reach when it comes to getting a book approved. However, he engages in lots of speculation about what the licensors will become, arguing that over time the arduous nature of the job means that only those motivated by either greed or desire for power will accept the role.
Presbyterians
Presbyterians are the intended audience of “The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates.” They were supporters of Parliament who wanted to seek compromise with the king, rather than complete victory. Milton portrays them as cowardly and unprincipled.
Charles I
Charles I was the King of England during the first seven years of the English Civil War. He stripped power from Parliament and alienated many people with his Catholic queen and ineffective policy in Scotland and Ireland. In 1649, he was executed by the Parliamentary Army.
