Life of Cowley

  • How does Dr. Johnson compare Cowley and Milton as poets? [NU. 2012]

/How can we compare the performances of Cowley and of Milton?

In the biographical essay “Life of Cowley”, Johnson has described a comparison between Cowley (1618-1667) and Milton (1608-1674). Cowley and Milton are two eminent poets in the history of English literature. But both are a little bit different from each other. 


They studied at the same University at the same time. Although they arrive at the same university, they are different from each other in respect of their talents. Cowley gained mastery of metaphysical subjects. On the other hand, Milton acquired his merit in the area of epic. Cowley started his literary career earlier. On the other hand, Milton began his career late but acquired his achievement very fast.


According to Dr. Johnson, the advantage lies on the side of Cowley. Milton preferred to express the thoughts of the ancients in their language. He was a puritan. In his famous writing, we can realize signs of puritanism. But Cowley was not protective about religious concepts. Milton was more bent on classicism. But Cowley has presented the classical ideas and language in his own way.

To sum up, we can say that although Cowley and Milton are different in their genius, both are two shining stars in English literature.