Areopagitica by John Milton - Book Report/Review Example

John Milton’s Areopagitica: Appeals to Parliament John Milton, an English poet, published the Areopagitica in 1644, which he used to argue against licensing of authors. Areopagitica brought out the eloquence and passionate nature of Milton as he presented a compelling and persuasive argument to the British Parliament. This book was meant to condemn the religious toleration and the stricter enforcement of licensing rule in England (Sabine, viii). He believed in leadership of wise men as he said England should be ruled by, “the best and wisest men.” In addition, Milton did this book based on his principles which Sabine states “the right and also the duty of every intelligent man, as a rational being, to know the ground and to take responsibility for his actions and beliefs” (ix). According to Sabine, Milton’s primary intention was to fight for the freedom of the scholars, not for “children and childish men” as he believed writing impacted positively on the society (x). Milton’s firm belief in freedom of a writer presented a detailed and persuasive argument to the Parliament using ethos, pathos, and logos, as well as subordinating style of writing. Milton presented his argument in an effective style, as he wanted to persuade the parliament to scrap off this law. His argument and thoughts were present through subordinating style, which consists of causality, temporality, and precedence styles. According to Fish, causality is used when one event causes another. Further, he says, “Temporality is used when two events are prior or subsequent to one another, and precedence used when two events are arranged based on their importance (11). With this style, Milton was able to come up with a compelling argument against the parliament over its ban against unethical books in the country. First, Milton being persuasive and determined adopts the style of precedence. He uses this in his argument when he says, “And though I knew that England then was groaning loudest…Those other nations were persuaded of her liberty” (Milton 34). It meant that he believed England would one day be liberal just the same way other countries felt and viewed it, despite the poor and devastating conditions that most of its philosophers faced. Milton further says that many people believed the clergy community who staunchly supported the abolition of some literature materials. The clergy were against freedom of writers, as they believed their views had a negative impact on the public. Despite that, Milton still believed in liberty and freedom of speech in England. In addition, he hoped the future would be filled with happiness that other nations be able to recognize. Additionally, Milton adopts causality style to push his arguments further. He does this when he says, “If we think to regulate printing so that to rectify manners we must regulate all recreation...” (23). The quote implies that for the Legislature to completely correct ways, they cannot simply do that by restricting publication of the book, but they must also control all recreation in the country. According to Milton, for the government to create a peaceful environment in the country they must strive to control both printing of books and recreation such as music, dancing, and alcohol consumption in the country, which is utterly impossible. He argues that it is foolish and irrational to ban books while people are allowed to live untainted lives. He uses this style to communicate ironically and persuade his audience that the government is out of order to try to implement that senseless law. Additionally, Milton uses the temporality style. It is evident when he says, “Nevertheless I took it as a pledge of future happiness that other nations were so persuaded of her liberty” (34). After a close examination of other nation’s thoughts on the state of England, Milton bemoans the current state of his country. Although he is not happy about England, he is optimistic that his country’s state will improve in the near future. He presents his argument by telling parliament that other nations regard England highly, and parliament had no reason not to live up to such expectations as his country served as an example to many countries. He points that England could be different and allow its writers freedom to write and publish their work, unlike Italy and other states where philosophers were victimized for their work. Milton hopes the parliament supports his argument and grants freedom to writers Apart from using subordinating styles, Milton appeals to his audience using classical rhetorical elements of ethos, pathos, and logos. Ethos is a technique of validating and affirming the credibility and authority of the speakers such as reliability and excellence. Milton believes in Lord Pious and claims that he is exceedingly wise. He believes that he can only learn from Pious’ words and has no capacity to erase or dispute this honorable man’s wise words. It is evident when he says, “I only shall repeat what I learnt from one of your honorable members” (36). To him, Pious was selfless in his actions and deeds as he worked tirelessly for the church. He continues to say that Pious was peace loving and dedicated to service of the church. Due to all his actions and characters, Milton named him Lord Brook. This name was going to sail from one generation to another, and this Lord would inspire and serve as an example to the future people. He adopt this rhetoric and insists that people should read Pious` works since he believed in respecting peoples’ ideas even if they could not conform to the society’s rules. As such, Milton expects parliament to adopt Lord Brook’s ideas and rescind their decision on licensing authors and banning their books since this would mean demolishing writer’s opinions by destroying books. He further argues that suppressing an opinion of this writer would mean rivaling the ideas of one of their honorable members. Milton expects that since Lord Brook was highly regarded, and his views considered of a liberal mind. The appeal to used is persuasive as some of the members of the House would agree with his opinions and abolish the oppressive rule that limited writers’ freedom. In addition, Milton uses logos, which is the presentation of clear and reasonable thinking in order to prove a stated case through data or evidence. Milton argues that it is impossible to regulate the publication of books and take no action on recreation. In his opinion, he argues, “Shutting one gate and leaving the other one open” cannot eliminate all the social and political ills of the society. He proves this by saying people listen and dance to music, consume an unlimited amount of food and alcohol. All these he says have a significant influence on the people. To him, all these activities should be regulated to prevent the youths from corruption of the mind. Milton argues that it is impossible to monitor people using a limited number of licenses in the society. He says, “and who shall silence all airs and madrigals that whisper…” (31). Instead, he proposes strict measures to be put in place because positive criticism from authors can help shape a community. His use of logos is relevant since it brings out the injustice practiced in England to control only publication of books and not recreational activities. He argues that a society cannot shut one gate and leave the other wide open when uprooting evil in the society; hence, all gates should be closed, which, in this case, is impossible. Using the appeal to logic, he manages to persuade the audience to consider the consistency of censorship. Similarly, Milton adopts the use of pathos to persuade his audience to see his point of view. Pathos is the use of emotion to appeal and persuade the audience. Milton on his part uses this to indicate feeling of love, hatred, anger, fear, and pity towards the society. Before writing his book, Milton traveled the world and learned of the false impression other countries had of England. It clearly comes out when he says, “Happy to be born in a place of philosophic freedom as they supposed England was” (33). He is disappointed to know that other nations believe that England allows its authors to write freely, unlike other European countries. This impression is brought by the fact England does not send prominent philosophers and writers to prison. He is further disappointed in Italy, which suppresses its writers freedom. To him, Italians should be allowed to play around with words and publish them in order to correct its citizens through constructive criticism. Detention of Galileo for expressing his thoughts and unorthodox view of the heliocentric theory ignites sadness, which he uses as an emotional appeal. Due to his high regards for England, Milton thinks that the country through its Parliament should reconsider their decision of licensing authors and banning books so as to live up to the expectation of others countries. Milton uses pathos to pity to those questioned or have to pay a price for literature materials that can positively inspire the society. He further discredits their obedience to the authorities terming it a cowardly act. To him, writers should fight for their freedom and avoid being victimized by the authorities as the case in Italy. By transferring shame and disappointment to the audience, Milton influence them emotionally by exposing the bad situations in the country. Thus, Milton uses pathos to put forward a persuasive argument to the Parliament to consider his position and abolish the controversial law. Undoubtedly, John Milton put forth a convincing and compelling argument to the authorities against licensing of authors and banning books. He adopts the persuasive styles such as pathos, logos, and ethos in order to drive his point home efficiently. He aims to convince the audience that banning books and licensing of writer is not only unfair, but also a foolish act. To strengthen his argument, Milton adopts the subordinating styles. He presents his case putting strong points forward on reasons as to why he thinks the parliament is wrong in its action. He claims his primary aim is to restore the countries pride once more and stop the corruption of the mind people are being subjected. As a result, the appeals used by the author are persuasive enough to convince the audience of his points. Works Cited Fish, Stanley. How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One. New York: Harper, 2012. Print. Milton, John. Areopagitica and Of Education. Ed. George H. Sabine. Wheeling: Harlan Davidson, 1951. Print. Sabine, George H. Introduction, Areopagitica and of Education, By John Milton. Ed. George H Sabine. Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson, 1951. vii-x. Print. Read More