What was Milton’s stand with regard to individual freedom as reflected in his prose writings? [British Poetry (2018-19) Assignment 2]

John Milton was a passionate advocate of individual freedom, as reflected in his prose writings, particularly his political tracts. Milton believed that every individual had the right to free expression, both in thought and in speech. He also believed in the importance of individual conscience and the need to resist tyranny and oppression. In his writings, Milton rejected the idea of absolute monarchy, arguing that the authority of the king should be subject to the rule of law and the consent of the people.

Milton's most famous defense of individual freedom is his pamphlet "Areopagitica," which he wrote in 1644 in response to a proposal to license all books in England. In this work, Milton argues passionately against censorship and defends the right of individuals to read, think, and express themselves freely, without fear of government interference. He famously writes, "Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties."

In addition to "Areopagitica," Milton's other prose writings, such as "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates" and "Paradise Lost," also reflect his belief in individual freedom and resistance to tyranny. Overall, Milton's writings helped to lay the groundwork for the development of modern liberal thought and the defense of individual freedom and liberty.