Poems by Milton | Class 12 English Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 2 min read
Poems by Milton – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Poems by Milton from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Language Study
This section introduces the study of etymology, which is the investigation of the history and origin of words. Etymology helps understand how words have evolved over time and their derivations. For example, the word 'entomb'd' is traced back to late Middle English (ME) and Middle French (MF) origins, showing its use from the year 1578. The section notes that approximately 30 percent of English words come from French, especially after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when French borrowings peaked between 1250 and 1400. Understanding etymology enriches comprehension of Milton’s vocabulary and the historical context of the English language. This knowledge aids in appreciating the nuances and connotations of words in Milton’s poetry.
📊 Diagram: No diagrams; the section focuses on linguistic history and word origins.
🔗 Connection: This section supports the understanding of Milton’s poetic language and prepares students for further reading and analysis of his works, including 'On his Blindness'.
Frequently asked questions
1. Why has the poet pitted the flight of Time against the 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' and 'the heavy Plummets pace'? 2. What are the things associated with the temporal and what are associated with the eternal? 3. What guides human souls towards divinity? Who is the final winner in the race against Time?
1. The poet contrasts the swift flight of Time with the slow, heavy pace of the 'lazy leaden-stepping hours' and 'the heavy Plummets pace' to emphasize the relentless and envious nature of Time. While hours pass slowly and heavily like lead weights (plummets), Time itself is eager and swift in consuming all things. This contrast highlights Time's power and envy towards human achievements.
2. Things associated with the temporal are described as false, vain, and mortal dross—things that Time devo
1. Why does Milton feel it is not necessary to put up a monument in stone for Shakespeare? 2. What does the 'weak witness of thy name' refer to? 3. How does Milton describe Shakespeare as the source of inspiration for all succeeding generations of poets? 4. What is the best tribute that posterity has bestowed on Shakespeare?
1. Milton feels it is unnecessary to erect a stone monument for Shakespeare because Shakespeare has already built a 'live-long Monument' through his works, which live on in the hearts and minds of people.
2. The 'weak witness of thy name' refers to physical memorials like stones or pyramids that are fragile and insufficient compared to the lasting impact of Shakespeare's literary works.
3. Milton describes Shakespeare as the source of inspiration by stating that his 'easy numbers flow' and tha
At what age did John Milton begin writing poetry?
10 years
Which languages did John Milton extensively read after his formal education at Cambridge?
Latin, Greek, Italian, and English
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