Essay Questions

How does Johnson compare and contrast Cowley to Milton? - “Cowley”

Johnson writes, “If the Latin performances of Cowley and Milton be compared (for May I hold to be superior to both), the advantage seems to lie on the side of Cowley. Milton is generally content to express the thoughts of the ancients in their language; Cowley, without much loss of purity or elegance, accommodates the diction of Rome to his own conceptions.” Although both are famed poets, their approach to the ‘Latin performances’ is divergent. Milton utilizes the Latin language whereas Cowley employs the Rome language.

Why do “the clergy procure that the author should be called before the Lords”? - “Milton”

Johnson explicates, "Milton soon determined to repudiate her for disobedience; and, being one of those who could easily find arguments to justify inclination, published (in 1644) "The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce," which was followed by the "Judgment of Martin Bucer concerning Divorce," and the next year his "Tetrachordon, Expositions upon the four chief Places of Scripture which treat of Marriage." This innovation was opposed, as might be expected, by the clergy, who, then holding their famous assembly at Westminster, procured that the author should be called before the Lords; "but that house," says Wood, "whether approving the doctrine, or not favouring his accusers, did soon dismiss him." The clergy feel that Milton's texts are and endorsement of divorce which they deem to be ungodly. Contesting the publication is founded on the notion that clergy should protect marriage be discouraging works that motivate couples to divorce. Clergy regard Milton's texts to be ungodly and contributory to the crumbling of marriages.

Describe Matthew Prior’s foremost asset.

Johnson writes, “What he has valuable he owes to his diligence and his judgement. His diligence has justly placed him amongst the most correct of English poets; and he was one of the first that resolutely endeavoured at correctness.” Prior upholds perfection in his composition. He composes the poems carefully so that they read as accurate compositions. Accordingly, the diction he employs is predominantly thoughtful and precise; the exactness of his poems is a prized asset.

Summarize William 'Congreve’s merit.'

Johnson writes, "Congreve has merit of the highest kind; he is an original writer, who borrowed neither the models of his plot nor the manner of his dialogue… his characters are commonly fictitious and artificial, with very little of nature and not much of life." William Congreve's innovativeness enables him to compile works that are distinct. He comes up with original works that are born out of his imaginative ideas. His unique style permits him to rise above the common plot lines.