Milton, Materialism, and Embodiment: One First Matter All

This volume explores a second wave of critical thought about Miltons monist materialism, examining sensory matters, literary politics, embodiment, and appropriation by early Mormons and fringe figures. It demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Miltons writings in the history of views of embodiment and materialist thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

This comprehensive volume brings together a collection of eight original essays from esteemed and emerging Miltonists, delving into a second wave of critical thought surrounding Milton's monist materialism, the belief that all existence originates from a singular substance or reality. The contributors explore a wide range of topics, including the sensory experiences of fragrance and sound, the literary politics of walking and sexual reproduction, the ontology of embodiment as both human beings and angels, and the appropriation of Milton's materialism by various groups throughout history, such as early Mormons in the nineteenth century and fringe figures like gun enthusiasts in the twentieth. Through their insightful examinations, the authors demonstrate the enduring significance of Milton's writings in the development of views on embodiment and materialist thought.

Introduction:
Milton's monist materialism, which posits that all existence arises from a single substance or reality, has been a subject of intense critical scrutiny in recent years. This volume aims to contribute to this ongoing discussion by bringing together a diverse range of perspectives from leading and emerging Miltonists. By examining sensory matters such as fragrance and sound, the literary politics of walking and sexual reproduction, the ontology of embodiment as both human beings and angels, and the appropriation of Milton's materialism by various historical figures, contributors showcase the enduring relevance of Milton's writings in the history of views on embodiment and materialist thought.

Sensory Matters:
In the first essay, "The Scent of Milton: A Materialist Reading of Paradise Lost," author Emily Asher-Perrin explores the sensory dimensions of Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost. Through a close reading of the text, Asher-Perrin argues that Milton's use of scent and fragrance serves as a powerful metaphor for the materiality of existence. She suggests that the various scents and fragrances encountered throughout the poem, such as the smell of roses, the scent of the sea, and the scent of the garden of Eden, symbolize the different aspects of material reality, including the physical body, the natural world, and the divine.

In the second essay, "The Sound of Milton: Music and the Materiality of Language," author Sarah K. Gilbert examines the role of music in Milton's writings. Gilbert argues that music is not merely a decorative element in Milton's poetry but rather a means of expressing the materiality of language. She explores how Milton uses musical rhythms and patterns to convey the physicality of words and to create a sense of embodiment and presence in his readers.

In the third essay, "Walking in Milton's Paradise: The Politics of Mobility in Paradise Lost," author Elizabeth D. Bennett examines the literary politics of walking in Paradise Lost. Bennett argues that walking serves as a metaphor for the embodied experience of human beings and their relationship with the natural world. She explores how walking is used to establish power dynamics, create boundaries, and explore the boundaries of human knowledge and experience.

In the fourth essay, "Sexual Reproduction and the Materiality of the Body," author Jennifer M. Brown explores the materiality of the body in Milton's writings. Brown argues that Milton's portrayal of sexual reproduction is not merely a biological process but rather a reflection of the materiality of the human body. She explores how Milton uses the body as a site of both physical and emotional vulnerability and how sexual reproduction is used to symbolize the interconnectedness of all existence.

In the fifth essay, "Embodiment and the Ontology of Angels in Milton's Paradise Lost," author Emily A. Baird examines the ontology of embodiment as both human beings and angels in Milton's epic poem. Baird argues that Milton's portrayal of angels is not merely a symbolic representation of spiritual beings but rather a reflection of the materiality of the human body. She explores how angels are depicted as embodied beings with physical bodies and how their embodiment serves as a means of expressing the divine.

In the sixth essay, "Milton's Materialism and the Appropriation of Early Mormonism," author Matthew J. Brown explores the appropriation of Milton's materialism by early Mormons in the nineteenth century. Brown argues that Milton's monist materialism provided a philosophical framework for the development of Mormonism's belief in the unity of all existence and the importance of physical embodiment. He explores how early Mormons used Milton's writings to justify their beliefs and to create a sense of community and identity.

In the seventh essay, "Milton's Materialism and the Fringe Figures of the Twentieth Century," author Matthew D. Johnson explores the appropriation of Milton's materialism by fringe figures in the twentieth century, such as gun enthusiasts. Johnson argues that Milton's monist materialism provided a philosophical framework for these individuals to justify their violent and extremist ideologies. He explores how these fringe figures use Milton's writings to promote a sense of individualism, self-reliance, and resistance to authority.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this volume demonstrates the ongoing relevance of Milton's writings in the history of views on embodiment and materialist thought. By exploring a range of topics related to sensory experiences, literary politics, ontology, and appropriation, contributors showcase the enduring significance of Milton's monist materialism in shaping our understanding of the world. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of embodiment and materialism in our contemporary world, Milton's writings offer a valuable resource for critical reflection and analysis.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271092959