33 pages 1 hour read

John Milton

Areopagitica

Nonfiction | Essay / Speech | Adult | Published in 1644

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Essay Topics

1.

Throughout the text, Milton urges Parliament to act in a way that befits his image of what the current Parliament should or shouldn’t be. Using examples from the text, how would you describe Milton’s vision of the ideal Parliament? What are the qualities that Parliament should not embody? How is the Parliament that Milton is currently addressing measure up to his standards?

2.

Considering Milton’s arguments in Areopagitica, how do you think he would feel about the state of freedom in the printing presses in your country right now? What parts of the text seem applicable? Which ones don’t? 

3.

How would you summarize Milton’s argument regarding the purpose of reading books? Do you agree? Why or why not?