“Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

“Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton first appeared in 1673 in his collection titled Poems of Mr. John Milton, published in both English and Latin. This deeply personal sonnet reflects Milton’s grief and longing after the death of his second wife, Katherine Woodcock, and is often regarded as one of his most intimate poetic works. The sonnet presents a vision where Milton imagines seeing his late wife in a dream, highlighting themes of love, loss, and hope for reunion in the afterlife. The poem’s unique blend of tender emotion and spiritual yearning, combined with Milton’s masterful use of language and form, has contributed to its enduring popularity. It resonates with readers for its universal exploration of the sorrow and solace associated with love transcending mortality, securing Milton’s place as a profound voice on the themes of human connection and divine grace.

Text: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

Annotations: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

Line	Annotation
1. Methought I saw my late espoused saint	“Methought” means “I thought” or “it seemed to me.” Milton believes he sees a vision of his “late espoused saint,” referring to his deceased wife, Katherine Woodcock, whom he regards with deep reverence and love.
2. Brought to me, like Alcestis, from the grave,	Milton compares his wife to Alcestis, a character in Greek mythology who was brought back from the dead by Hercules. This symbolizes Milton’s longing for her return, suggesting she is resurrected in his vision.
3. Whom Jove’s great son to her glad husband gave,	“Jove’s great son” refers to Hercules, son of Zeus (Jove), who returned Alcestis to her husband, Admetus. Milton parallels this mythological story with his own desire to be reunited with his wife.
4. Rescu’d from death by force, though pale and faint.	Although his wife appears to be brought back from death, she still shows signs of her ordeal (“pale and faint”), highlighting the fragility and ethereal nature of her presence in his vision.
5. Mine, as whom wash’d from spot of child-bed taint	This line references the purification ritual after childbirth, implying that his wife is “cleansed” from earthly impurities, and thus appears pure and saintly to him.
6. Purification in the old Law did save,	“The old Law” refers to the laws of the Old Testament, specifically the ritual purification for women after childbirth. Milton implies that his wife has been spiritually purified and saved.
7. And such as yet once more I trust to have	Milton expresses hope and trust that he will see her again in her purified form, suggesting his faith in a reunion with her in the afterlife.
8. Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,	He longs to see her “in Heaven without restraint,” meaning an unrestricted, eternal reunion with her in the afterlife, free from earthly limitations.
9. Came vested all in white, pure as her mind;	His wife appears in his vision “vested all in white,” symbolizing purity and innocence, which he aligns with her inner character, describing her mind as equally pure.
10. Her face was veil’d, yet to my fancied sight	Though her face is veiled, Milton’s “fancied sight”—or imagination—perceives her nonetheless. The veil suggests the barrier between life and death, or the incompleteness of the vision.
11. Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shin’d	He sees her as embodying “love, sweetness, goodness,” virtues that shine from her very being, emphasizing his idealized memory of her.
12. So clear as in no face with more delight.	Milton asserts that no other face has brought him such “delight,” underscoring the special bond he shared with her and the joy her memory brings him.
13. But Oh! as to embrace me she inclin’d,	Just as she seems to move toward him to embrace him, expressing his yearning for physical and emotional closeness, the vision intensifies.
14. I wak’d, she fled, and day brought back my night.	Milton awakens from his vision, and his wife vanishes. The phrase “day brought back my night” conveys his profound sorrow, as waking life feels like night without her presence.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“like Alcestis”	Refers to the myth of Alcestis, a character who was brought back from death, to draw a parallel between Milton’s wife and the mythological figure.
Ambiguity	“Her face was veil’d”	The veiling of her face could signify a spiritual barrier or the incompleteness of the poet’s vision, adding mystery to the experience.
Anaphora	“Love, sweetness, goodness”	The repetition of structure here emphasizes the virtues Milton associates with his late wife, elevating her character.
Assonance	“Methought I saw my late espoused saint”	The repetition of the “a” sound in “saw” and “saint” creates a melodic flow and adds to the reflective nature of the sonnet.
Caesura	“But Oh! as to embrace me she inclin’d,”	The comma creates a pause that mirrors the interruption of his vision, enhancing the sudden loss of the dream.
Consonance	“Brought to me, like Alcestis, from the grave”	The “t” sound in “brought” and “to” and the “s” sound in “Alcestis” and “grave” create consonant echoes, enhancing the somber tone.
Contrast	“day brought back my night”	The juxtaposition of “day” and “night” highlights the reversal of joy to sorrow, as daytime without his wife feels like night to Milton.
Divine Imagery	“Whom Jove’s great son to her glad husband gave”	References to Greek mythology (Hercules and Alcestis) add a divine quality to his wife’s presence, elevating her to a saintly figure.
Enjambment	“Mine, as whom wash’d from spot of child-bed taint / Purification in the old Law did save”	The flow across lines emphasizes continuity, mirroring the ongoing purity Milton attributes to his wife.
Euphemism	“spot of child-bed taint”	Refers indirectly to the pain and impurities of childbirth, which his wife has been “wash’d” of in death, suggesting her purity.
Hyperbole	“So clear as in no face with more delight”	Milton claims no other face could bring him greater joy, which is an exaggeration that conveys the depth of his love and loss.
Imagery	“vested all in white, pure as her mind”	The visual image of his wife in white reflects her purity and saintly nature, aligning her outer appearance with her inner goodness.
Metaphor	“day brought back my night”	Milton uses “day” and “night” metaphorically to express his transition from a joyful dream back to the sorrow of reality.
Mythological Reference	“like Alcestis”	Refers to Alcestis, a mythological figure, to frame his wife’s return from death in a broader cultural context of resurrection and sacrifice.
Personification	“day brought back my night”	“Day” is personified as actively bringing back “night,” intensifying the sense of loss upon waking from his vision.
Religious Allusion	“Purification in the old Law”	Refers to Old Testament laws on purification, associating his wife’s purity with religious and moral cleanliness.
Simile	“like Alcestis”	A direct comparison that likens his wife’s return to the mythological resurrection of Alcestis, emphasizing her perceived return from death.
Symbolism	“vested all in white”	White symbolizes purity, innocence, and holiness, underscoring the saintly image Milton has of his wife in the afterlife.
Tone	Reflective and melancholic	The tone, conveyed through language and imagery, captures Milton’s introspective sorrow and longing for his late wife.

Themes: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

1. Love and Loss
   The theme of love and loss is central to the sonnet, as Milton reflects on the deep affection he held for his late wife, Katherine Woodcock, and the pain of her absence. The sonnet opens with an emotional vision, where he believes he sees her brought back to him. His description of her as his “late espoused saint” reflects both his reverence and his profound grief. The concluding line, “I wak’d, she fled, and day brought back my night,” powerfully captures the sorrow of waking from his vision and returning to the reality of her loss. This theme explores the intensity of Milton’s love, which remains undiminished even after her death.
2. Purity and Holiness
   Milton presents his wife as a figure of purity and saintliness, emphasizing her spiritual significance. He describes her as “vested all in white, pure as her mind,” which not only symbolizes her innocence but also elevates her to a saint-like figure in his mind. Her purity is further reinforced with references to “Purification in the old Law,” connecting her to religious concepts of cleansing and holiness. By portraying her as a “saint,” Milton associates her with divine qualities, underscoring her perceived spiritual purity and setting her apart as a figure worthy of eternal love and reverence.
3. Resurrection and Reunion
   The sonnet also explores the theme of resurrection and the hope for reunion beyond death. Milton’s vision of his wife draws a direct parallel to the mythological figure of Alcestis, who was brought back from death by Hercules, as he writes, “like Alcestis, from the grave.” This comparison reflects Milton’s longing for his wife’s return and his hope that he might see her again in the afterlife. He expresses his trust that he will have “Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,” suggesting his belief in a future reunion, free from the limitations of earthly existence. This theme reveals Milton’s faith and his hope for a reunion that transcends mortality.
4. The Transience of Dreams and Illusions
   Milton’s vision of his wife in a dream highlights the fleeting nature of dreams and illusions, as well as the pain that often accompanies them. Although he feels a brief joy in his vision of her, the moment is transient; she vanishes as he awakens. The line “But Oh! as to embrace me she inclin’d, / I wak’d, she fled” captures the fleeting quality of the experience, as she is pulled away just as he reaches for her. This theme reflects the agony of waking from a beautiful yet impermanent illusion, as Milton is thrust back into the harsh reality of his loss, where “day brought back [his] night,” symbolizing the despair he feels when confronted with her absence.

Literary Theories and “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic theory, derived from Freud’s ideas, explores the subconscious desires, fears, and emotions of individuals. In this poem, Milton’s vision of his wife can be interpreted as a manifestation of his subconscious yearning for reunion, closure, and resolution of his grief. His emotional turmoil is evident as he dreams of embracing her, only for the vision to vanish, symbolizing an unresolved inner conflict between his love and the harsh reality of loss.	“Methought I saw my late espoused saint” reflects Milton’s deep subconscious longing. The line “But Oh! as to embrace me she inclin’d” reveals his desire for physical and emotional connection, thwarted by waking.
New Historicism	New Historicism considers literary works within the context of their historical, cultural, and social environments. Milton’s references to “Purification in the old Law” and the myth of Alcestis reflect the religious and mythological influences of his time. His depiction of his wife as a “saint” reflects Puritan beliefs about piety, the afterlife, and the sanctity of marriage, which were significant during Milton’s era.	The phrase “Purification in the old Law” reflects the influence of religious norms. Additionally, comparing his wife to “Alcestis” showcases how classical mythology interplays with his Puritan beliefs, framing her as saintly and spiritually elevated.
Romanticism	Although written before the Romantic era, this poem’s emphasis on personal emotion, the sublime, and the dream-like quality of Milton’s vision anticipates Romantic themes. Romanticism values intense emotion, spirituality, and individual experience, which are key elements in Milton’s sonnet as he laments his loss and hopes for an eternal reunion. His vision of his wife as “pure” and “vested all in white” embodies the Romantic ideal of the sublime, blending love, sorrow, and spirituality.	Milton’s dream of his wife “vested all in white, pure as her mind” reflects an intense, almost transcendental emotional experience. The line “day brought back my night” captures Romantic notions of sorrow and personal despair, connecting earthly love with a sense of the sublime.

Critical Questions about “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

• How does Milton use mythological and religious allusions to elevate the emotional depth of his vision?
• Milton’s references to mythology and religious purification amplify the emotional weight of his vision. By comparing his wife to Alcestis—rescued from death by Hercules in Greek mythology—Milton conveys his longing for an impossible reunion, elevating his wife to a near-divine status. Similarly, he refers to her purification “in the old Law,” evoking biblical concepts of purity, especially through the imagery of “vested all in white,” which underscores her saintly nature. These allusions reflect Milton’s cultural and religious influences, imbuing his vision with layers of reverence and spiritual significance. They also express his grief by situating his personal sorrow within broader, timeless concepts of love, purity, and loss, which deepens the sonnet’s emotional resonance.
• What role does the theme of transient dreams play in conveying Milton’s grief and longing?
• The fleeting nature of Milton’s vision is central to his expression of grief. The dream offers him a glimpse of his wife, “pure as her mind,” only to be abruptly interrupted as he awakens. His frustration and sorrow are palpable in the line, “I wak’d, she fled, and day brought back my night.” Here, Milton highlights the disparity between his brief comfort in the dream and the bleak reality of his waking life, where the “day” is paradoxically darkened by the loss of his wife. This theme of transience—where joy in dreams cannot survive in waking reality—intensifies his grief, as his only comfort lies in a vision that slips away as soon as he reaches for it. This underscores how deeply the finality of death affects him, leaving him with only fleeting illusions of reunion.
• How does Milton’s description of his wife reflect his perception of her character and their relationship?
• Milton’s description of his wife reveals both his idealization of her and his enduring affection. He sees her as “vested all in white, pure as her mind,” associating her physical appearance with her inner qualities of purity and goodness. Additionally, his repetition of “Love, sweetness, goodness” emphasizes the depth of his respect and admiration. By portraying her as an almost saint-like figure, Milton idealizes her character, aligning her with values of the divine and eternal. This idealization also speaks to the nature of their relationship, suggesting a profound connection that transcends ordinary bonds. He views her with a reverence that suggests a spiritual, rather than purely earthly, union, underscoring both his love and the intensity of his loss.
• What does the poem reveal about Milton’s perspective on mortality and the possibility of an afterlife?
• Sonnet 23 reflects Milton’s hope for an afterlife where he can reunite with his wife, indicating his belief in the transcendence of love beyond death. He expresses this hope in the lines, “such as yet once more I trust to have / Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,” suggesting his faith in a heavenly reunion unrestricted by earthly limitations. This vision of a divine afterlife provides a contrast to his earthly suffering, where he can only see her in a fleeting dream. By anchoring his longing for reunion in a vision of Heaven, Milton reveals his belief in an afterlife where love endures and loss is finally overcome. This perspective offers a glimpse of solace in his grief, as his vision of Heaven serves as both a spiritual aspiration and a means to transcend the pain of mortality.

Literary Works Similar to “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

1. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe
   Like Milton’s sonnet, this poem explores themes of love and loss, with the speaker longing for reunion with a beloved lost to death.
2. “Remember” by Christina Rossetti
   Rossetti’s poem, similar to Milton’s, reflects on death and memory, conveying the sorrow of parting and the hope of being remembered by a loved one.
3. “Surprised by Joy” by William Wordsworth
   Wordsworth expresses grief over the sudden memory of his late daughter, mirroring Milton’s experience of an unexpected vision of a loved one now gone.
4. “On His Deceased Wife” by John Milton
   This earlier sonnet by Milton parallels Sonnet 23 in its depiction of a vision of his deceased wife, with similar themes of spiritual reunion and purity.
5. “One Art” by Elizabeth Bishop
   Bishop’s meditation on loss resonates with Milton’s themes, as both poets grapple with the pain of separation and the inevitable loss that accompanies love.

Representative Quotations of “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Methought I saw my late espoused saint”	Milton introduces the sonnet with a vision of his deceased wife, depicting her as a “saint,” elevating her to a spiritual, almost divine status.	Romanticism – Emphasis on intense personal emotion and loss.
“Brought to me, like Alcestis, from the grave”	The speaker compares his wife’s vision to Alcestis, a mythological figure returned from death, highlighting his desire for reunion.	Mythological Criticism – Use of myth to express eternal love and resurrection.
“Whom Jove’s great son to her glad husband gave”	This allusion to Hercules returning Alcestis to her husband underscores the poet’s hope for a reunion, using classical mythology to parallel his personal grief.	New Historicism – Classical references reflect Milton’s cultural context.
“Rescu’d from death by force, though pale and faint”	Milton envisions his wife returning from death but still showing signs of mortality, emphasizing the fragility of her image.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Reflection of Milton’s inner desire and grief.
“Mine, as whom wash’d from spot of child-bed taint”	References to purification rituals symbolize his wife’s spiritual purity and release from earthly burdens, portraying her as innocent and purified.	Religious Studies – Reflection of Puritan values on purity and sanctity.
“Purification in the old Law did save”	Milton draws on Old Testament law to imply his wife’s spiritual purity, suggesting she is saved and elevated by faith and religious ritual.	Theological Criticism – Integration of biblical purity to elevate his wife’s memory.
“And such as yet once more I trust to have”	Milton expresses his hope to reunite with his wife in Heaven, indicating his belief in an afterlife where they will meet again.	Spiritual/Religious Criticism – Faith in afterlife as a source of comfort.
“Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint”	Here, Milton envisions a complete and unrestricted reunion in Heaven, contrasting with the limitations of his earthly dream.	Metaphysical Perspective – Desire for transcendence and union in eternity.
“Her face was veil’d, yet to my fancied sight”	The image of his wife’s veiled face suggests the incompleteness of the vision and the separation between life and death.	Symbolism – The veil symbolizes barriers between realms of life and death.
“I wak’d, she fled, and day brought back my night”	Milton awakens from the dream, experiencing sorrow as day returns him to the painful reality of her absence.	Existential Criticism – Themes of impermanence and the fleeting nature of joy.

Suggested Readings: “Sonnet 23: Methought I Saw My Late Espoused Saint” by John Milton

1. MENGERT, JAMES G. “The Resistance of Milton’s Sonnets.” English Literary Renaissance, vol. 11, no. 1, 1981, pp. 81–95. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43446980. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
2. Péti, Miklós. “‘I Rebel Quietly’: Revolution and Gender in Hungarian Translations of Milton’s Shorter Poems.” Paradise from behind the Iron Curtain: Reading, Translating and Staging Milton in Communist Hungary, UCL Press, 2022, pp. 121–43. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv2kg15tf.10. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
3. Wall, Geoffrey. “Milton: Lives and Deaths.” The Cambridge Quarterly, vol. 39, no. 1, 2010, pp. 89–95. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43492500. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
4. Teskey, Gordon. “On the Sonnets and Shorter Poems of the Political Period.” The Poetry of John Milton, Harvard University Press, 2015, pp. 220–65. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvjf9xt3.11. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.