'On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament' by John Milton

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The Poetical Works of John MiltonBecause you have thrown of your Prelate Lord,
And with stiff Vowes renounc'd his Liturgie
To seise the widdow'd whore Pluralitie
From them whose sin ye envi'd, not abhor'd,
Dare ye for this adjure the Civill Sword
To force our Consciences that Christ set free,
And ride us with a classic Hierarchy
Taught ye by meer A. S. and Rotherford?
Men whose Life, Learning, Faith and pure intent
Would have been held in high esteem with PaulMust now he nam'd and printed Hereticks
By shallow Edwards and Scotch what d'ye call:
But we do hope to find out all your tricks,
Your plots and packing wors then those of Trent,
That so the Parliament
May with their wholsom and preventive Shears
Clip your Phylacteries, though bauk your Ears,
And succour our just Fears
When they shall read this clearly in your charge
New Presbyter is but Old Priest Writ Large.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament by John Milton

Why does John Milton use such intense language in his poem, "On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament"? What does he hope to achieve through his depiction of the Puritanical leaders of the Long Parliament? This literary criticism and interpretation will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices that Milton employs in his poem.

Overview

John Milton, one of the greatest English poets of all time, wrote this poem in 1646, during a tumultuous period in English history known as the English Civil War. The Long Parliament was in power at the time, and it was made up of Puritanical leaders who sought to impose their strict religious beliefs on the people of England. Milton saw this as a dangerous threat to individual liberty and freedom of conscience, and he wrote this poem as a warning against the new forcers of conscience.

Themes

There are several themes that Milton explores in this poem, including the dangers of religious fanaticism, the importance of individual liberty, and the need for tolerance and understanding. Milton believed that the Puritanical leaders of the Long Parliament were using their religious beliefs to justify their oppressive actions, and he saw this as a threat to the very foundations of English society.

Symbolism

Milton uses a number of powerful symbols in this poem to convey his message. One of the most striking is the image of the "black stinking ditch" that the new forcers of conscience are trying to fill. This symbolizes the corruption and decay that Milton saw in the leaders of the Long Parliament. He believed that they were using their power to enrich themselves at the expense of the common people, and he saw this as a betrayal of the ideals of the English Revolution.

Another powerful symbol that Milton uses is the image of the "sheep-cote" that the new forcers of conscience are trying to build. This symbolizes the oppressive and authoritarian nature of the Puritanical leaders, who seek to control every aspect of people's lives, from their religious beliefs to their daily habits. Milton believed that this kind of control was antithetical to the principles of individual liberty and freedom of conscience.

Literary Devices

Milton employs a number of powerful literary devices in this poem to convey his message. One of the most striking is the use of alliteration, which creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, in the first stanza, Milton writes:

Because you have thrown off your Prelate Lord,
And with stiff vows renounced his Liturgy,
To seize the widowed whore Plurality
From them whose sin ye envied, not abhorred,

The repetition of the "th" sound in "thrown", "with", "renounced", and "Liturgy" creates a sense of urgency and emphasis. This is just one example of the many ways in which Milton uses language to convey his message.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament" is a powerful and eloquent poem that speaks to the dangers of religious fanaticism and the importance of individual liberty. Milton uses a variety of literary devices and powerful symbols to convey his message, and his language is both forceful and evocative. This poem is a testament to Milton's skill as a poet and his commitment to the ideals of the English Revolution.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament: An Analysis

John Milton's "Poetry On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the struggles of the English people during the tumultuous period of the Long Parliament. Written in 1646, the poem is a response to the growing power of the Puritan faction within the Parliament, who sought to impose their religious beliefs on the rest of the country. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as its historical context and relevance to modern times.

The poem begins with a description of the "new forcers of conscience" who have arisen in England, seeking to impose their beliefs on others through force and coercion. These forcers are described as "grim" and "cruel," with "iron hands" and "brazen faces" that show no mercy or compassion. They are compared to "fiends" and "furies" who seek to destroy all that is good and true in the world.

The imagery of the poem is powerful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the struggle between good and evil that is taking place in England. The forcers are described as "black clouds" that obscure the sun, casting a shadow over the land and bringing darkness and despair. They are also compared to "thick mists" that obscure the truth and make it difficult for people to see what is really happening around them.

Despite the bleakness of the situation, the poem also contains a message of hope and resilience. The speaker urges the people of England to stand firm in their beliefs and resist the forcers, even in the face of persecution and hardship. They are encouraged to hold fast to their faith and to trust in the power of God to see them through the trials that lie ahead.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of religious imagery and language. Milton was a deeply religious man, and his faith is evident in the way he writes about the struggle between good and evil. The forcers are described as "blasphemous" and "profane," while the people of England are portrayed as the "elect" who have been chosen by God to resist the forces of darkness.

This religious language is not just a rhetorical device, however. It reflects the deep-seated religious beliefs that were held by many people in England at the time. The Puritans, who were the driving force behind the Long Parliament, believed that they had a divine mandate to purify the Church of England and to create a society that was based on their strict interpretation of the Bible. They saw themselves as the chosen people of God, and they believed that they were engaged in a holy war against the forces of evil.

Milton, however, was deeply critical of this view. He believed that the Puritans had become too focused on external forms of piety, such as fasting and prayer, and had lost sight of the true meaning of Christianity. In his view, true faith was not about following a set of rules or conforming to a particular doctrine, but about living a life of love and compassion towards others.

This is reflected in the poem's final stanza, which urges the people of England to "love one another" and to "do good." This message of love and compassion is a powerful antidote to the hatred and intolerance that is portrayed in the rest of the poem. It reminds us that, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

In conclusion, "Poetry On The New Forcers Of Conscience Under The Long Parliament" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the struggles of the English people during a time of great upheaval and uncertainty. Its themes of religious intolerance, persecution, and resistance are as relevant today as they were in the 17th century. The poem's message of hope and resilience is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, we can always find the strength to stand up for what is right and to fight against the forces of darkness.

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