Sanctifying Rites in Milton's A Masque Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Timmis, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Christianity and literature. Volume 68:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Milton -- Comus -- ritual -- Spenser -- masque; Christianity and literature -- Periodicals; Literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; 809.933823
• DOI: 10.1177/0148333118790583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-3331

Abstract

This article seeks to challenge Stanley Fish's picture of the heroine of Milton's Comus as a complete and immaculate soul, and thus a static one with no need to grow. In conversation with Book II of Edmund Spenser's Faerie Queene, I argue that Milton presents the Christian virtues as developed through the ritual enactment of prevenient grace. Thus, the pattern for the Lady's growth into sanctified maturity is a ceremonial or even liturgical movement intended to lead masquers and audience heavenward.