Shorter Poems, First Three Summary

In Samson Agonistes and Shorter Poems, the editor, A.E. Barker, combines the early poems of the 17th century British writer, John Milton, with Samson Agonistes, which was published only three years before the poet's death. This volume reveals the development of Milton's conception of himself as a Christian writer, and his movement from a controlled yet liberal blend of pagan and Christian symbols to the more stripped-down, concentrated drama of his later work. The book begins with "On the Morning of Christs Nativity," which is among his most admired early poems. Written when Milton was just 21, it celebrates the Christian incarnation of God on earth in the form of the newborn Jesus. Its first four stanzas praise the sacred birth, and suggest that a hymn should be created as a present to the infant. The poem's...