Summary:
John Dryden’s Epigram on Milton is a brief yet powerful tribute to John Milton, recognizing his literary greatness. In this short poem, Dryden praises Milton as a poet of unmatched skill and compares him to the great epic poets of history. He famously states that Milton combines the strengths of Homer and Virgil, suggesting that Milton surpasses them both in poetic genius. The poem acknowledges Paradise Lost as a monumental work in English literature and affirms Milton’s place as one of the greatest poets of all time.
10
Score: 0
Attempted: 0/10
Subscribe
Question | Answer |
Poem Name | Epigram on Milton |
Poet | John Dryden |
Year Written | Late 17th century |
Poem Type | Epigram |
Verse Form | Heroic couplets |
Main Subject | Praise for John Milton’s literary greatness |
Themes | Admiration, literary excellence, poetic comparison |
Tone | Reverent, admiring |
Poetic Devices Used | Metaphor, allusion, comparison |
Famous Comparison | Milton is greater than Homer and Virgil combined |
Historical Context | Written during the Restoration era, acknowledging Milton’s genius despite political differences |
Significance | Acknowledges Milton as one of the greatest poets in literary history |
Literary Movement | Restoration Literature |
Purpose | To recognize and honor Milton’s poetic achievements |