Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines the typological significance of Miltonâs use of mockery in his major poetic works. In Miltonâs poetry, mockery has a constructive purpose that transcends the primarily destructive and condemnatory function of comic ridicule. Engaging human affections, mockery plays a mediating role and connects reason and appetite. Oriented towards Christâs endurance of mockery on the cross and his mocking defeat of the devil in the Resurrection, the exchanges of mockery between Miltonâs protagonists and antagonists demonstrate how mockery strengthens the human soul and unifies reason and the mortal body, enabling the participation in Godâs laughter. Revisiting Miltonâs poetry with special attention to mockery and typology shows the thematic potential of laughter in non-comedic works of literature. From the readerâs perspective, mockery in Miltonâs poetry also bears a pedagogical function, showing us how to laugh with God in a postlapsarian world of imperfection.
This book examines the typological significance of Miltonâs use of mockery in his major poetic works. In Miltonâs poetry, exchanges of mockery are oriented towards Christâs Passion and bear a constructive purpose that empowers the human soul and enlightens it with the path to salvation.
