- Il Penseroso
"Il Penseroso" is a
pastoral poem byJohn Milton , written in1631 . Invoking "divinest Melancholy", the poem is in praise of the contemplative, withdrawn life of study, philosophy, thought and meditation, and is a counterpiece to "L'Allegro ", which praises the more cheerful sides of life and literature. Both pieces detail the passing of a day in the countryside according to both philosophies. Because of Milton's later reputation as a fearsomely learned and dour poet, readers often detect a greater autobiographical element in "Il Penseroso".The poet and engraver
William Blake , who was deeply influenced by Milton's poetry and personality, made illustrations to both "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso".External links
* [http://www.dartmouth.edu/~milton/reading_room/penseroso/ "Il Penseroso "at Dartmouth College]
* [http://www.blakearchive.org/exist/blake/archive/copy.xq?copyid=but543.1&java=no/ William Blake's illustrations]
*Handel's "L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato ", based partly on this poem.
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