Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Milton's "Sonnet 21: To Cyriack Skinner" is a tribute to his friend Cyriack Skinner, who was a fellow English poet and a political activist during the English Civil War. The poem is a reflection on the nature of friendship, and the ways in which a true friend can provide comfort and support in times of hardship and adversity.

The poem is structured around a series of metaphors that compare Skinner to various natural phenomena, including the stars and the winds. These metaphors convey a sense of Skinner's strength and constancy, and suggest that he is a source of stability and comfort in Milton's life. At the same time, the poem also suggests that Skinner's steadfastness and loyalty are qualities that are increasingly rare in the world, and that are all the more valuable for that reason.

In terms of literary devices, Milton's use of metaphor and imagery is particularly noteworthy. He employs a series of vivid and evocative images to convey the depth of his feelings for Skinner, and to create a sense of the enduring nature of their friendship. His language is at once simple and profound, reflecting his belief in the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas.

Overall, "Sonnet 21" is a moving and evocative work that reflects on the nature of friendship and the importance of human connection. Through his use of language and imagery, Milton creates a work that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, and that speaks to the enduring power of friendship to sustain and uplift us in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

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