Milton's Peculiar Grace: Self-Representation and Authority

Milton's Peculiar Grace: Self-Representation and Authority

Despite writing about himself extensively and repeatedly, John Milton, the archetypal Puritan author, resolutely avoids the obligatory Augustinian narrative of sinfulness, conviction of sin, reception of the Word, regeneration of the spirit, and sanctification. The doctrine of fall, grace, and regeneration, so well illustrated in Paradise Lost, has no discernible effect on Milton's overt self-representations. Exploring this anomaly in his new book, Stephen M. Fallon contends that Milton, despite his deep engagement with theology, is not a religious writer.Why, Fallon asks, does Milton write about himself so compulsively? Why does he substitute, for the otherwise universal theological script, a story of precocious and continued virtue, even, it seems, a narrative of sinlessness? What pressures does this decision to reject the standard narrative exert on his work?In Milton's Peculiar Grace, Fallon argues that Milton writes about himself to gain immortality, secure authority for his arguments, and exert control over his readers' interpretations. He traces the return of the repressed narrative of fallenness in the author's unacknowledged and displaced self-representations, which in turn account for much of the power of the late poems. Fallon's book, based on close readings of Milton's "self-constructions" in prose and poetry throughout his career, provides a new view of Milton's life and his importance for contemporary literary theory-in particular for continued questions about authorial intention.To listen to a radio interview with Stephen Fallon discussing Milton's enduring significance, on the Australian Broadcasting Company's "Late Night Live," click here.

Country	USA
Author	Stephen M. Fallon
Binding	Paperback
Brand	Brand: Cornell University Press
EAN	9780801474859
Edition	1
Feature	Used Book in Good Condition
ISBN	080147485X
Label	Cornell University Press
Manufacturer	Cornell University Press
MPN	black & white illustrations
NumberOfItems	1
NumberOfPages	296
PartNumber	black & white illustrations
PublicationDate	2008-08-07
Publisher	Cornell University Press
Studio	Cornell University Press
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

Milton's Peculiar Grace: Self-Representation and Authority

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