Milton, Music and Literary Interpretation

Milton, Music and Literary Interpretation: Reading through the Spirit constructs a musical methodology for interpreting literary text drawn out of John Miltons poetry and prose. Analyzing the linkage between music and the Holy Spirit in Miltons work, it focuses on harmony and its relationship to Miltons theology and interpretative practices. Linking both the Spirit and poetic music to Miltons understanding of teleology, it argues that Milton uses musical metaphor to capture the inexpressible characteristics of the divine. The book then applies these musical tools of reading to examine the non-trinitarian union between Father, Son, and Spirit in Paradise Lost, argues that Adam and Eves argument does not break their concord, and puts forward a reading of Samson Agonistes based upon pity and grace.