Areopagitica and Other Prose Works Essay Questions

Milton uses several arguments to defend free speech in “Areopagitica.” Which do you find most convincing and why?

In “Areopagitica,” Milton uses several arguments to defend free speech. First, he argues from history, stating that only tyrannical societies have instituted censorship laws. Then, he argues that censorship laws are inherently ineffectual. Finally, he argues that reading is inherently valuable. The second argument is most convincing, because it argues from the fundamental characteristics of censorship laws to reach its conclusion.

Discuss the influence of the English Civil War on “Areopagitica,” using at least one specific example from the text.

During the English Civil War, Parliament went to war with the monarchy. For the first time in English history, a government without a royal became a real possibility. “Areopagitica” does not directly respond to the conflict, but it does repeatedly celebrate the vigor and courage of the English people on the side of Parliament, and emphasize that these noble people deserve freedom in what they read. More fundamentally, Milton’s optimism that society might be improved is likely shaped by the excitement of the revolution.

How does Milton treat the idea of “pluralism,” or ideological diversity within a society, in “Areopagitica”?

The final section of “Areopagitica” celebrates the pluralism of English society. In the middle of the seventeenth century, England was exceptionally diverse both religiously and politically. Many people saw this division as a bad thing, but Milton states that disagreement and argument are necessary for coming to a better understanding of Truth.

Discuss one way that religion informs Milton’s argument for free speech in “Areopagitica.”

One of the most fundamental ideas in “Areopagitica” is “the fallen world.” Early modern Christians believed that this world was fundamentally flawed as a result of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. For Milton, the fallen nature of the world means evil has touched everything. Rather than despairing, he optimistically argues that this means everything might be a source of good for the right person, because good and evil are twisted together in all texts.

Milton frequently employs personification in “Areopagitica.” How does this device make his argument more convincing? Use an example from the text.

In “Areopagitica,” Milton employs personification to provoke audience sympathy for inanimate objects and concepts. For example, he frequently compares books to the author’s children. This personification makes us see books as victims of the censors, forced to live under their surveillance despite being innocent.

Compare and contrast Milton’s attitude towards pluralism in “Of True Religion” and “Areopagitica.”

In “Areopagitica,” written in 1644, Milton wholeheartedly embraces intellectual pluralism, arguing that divisions within society bring us closer to the truth. In “Of True Religion,” in contrast, he argues that Catholicism should be repressed. The two arguments seem diametrically opposed, but they are more similar than they appear at first glance. Milton’s argument in “Areopagitica” hinges on his belief that debate and argument will inevitably lead people to reach conclusions aligned with his own Protestant faith, while his argument in “Of True Religion,” although inclusive of state repression, ultimately favors personal learning as the most powerful antidote to Catholicism.

How does power relate to Milton’s argument in “On the Tenure of Kings and Magistrates”? What does it have to do with justice?

In the opening lines of “On the Tenure of Kings and Magistrates,” Milton implies that the fact that the people have the power to overthrow the king means they also have the right to do so. Throughout the essay, he returns to the issue of power, stressing that the king wields a power that originally belongs to the people, and that they have the ability to seize back from him. Milton is not concerned only with what is right and wrong, but also with what is possible.

Discuss the role of human nature in two of Milton's essays.

In both "Areopagitica" and "The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce," Milton suggests that people's personalities are immutable. In "Areopagitica," he argues that a wise man will learn from everything he reads, while a foolish one will not benefit from anything. In "The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce," he argues that some people are simply incompatible, and nothing they do can change this. Oddly, both of these arguments seek to give people more rights by suggesting that people have limited ability to change.