The Altar, Sword, Pen, and Fireside

The altar, sword, pen, and fireside referenced in lines three and four symbolize the various aspects of English society that the speaker views as being in decline. The altar, at which Christians pray, symbolizes the religious virtue of England. The sword, due to its association with knighthood, symbolizes the code of chivalry, which the speaker views as all but dead. The pen refers to the country’s literary culture, but more generally art itself. Lastly, the fireside, with its connotations with the home, symbolizes the familial values of the country.

John Milton

The character of John Milton symbolizes moral purity. The speaker views Milton as a representative of a bygone era in England characterized by its moral virtue. Throughout the poem, the late writer is celebrated not only for his talents as a poet, but also for the way in which...