[Milton-L] historicism, formalism, etc. (Skulsky)

[butlert at mail.wsu.edu]

Popping up from a wealth of grading, I just thought I'd add this brief bit
from Milton's Areopagitica, a text that's been gestured toward in this
conversation but not really explored:

Where there is much to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing,
much writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men [and women] is but 
knowledge in the making.

Granted, I modified the quote just slightly (even Milton had his blind
spots), but to me it still seems to echo much of the theoretical exchange
that's occurred, especially in terms of the "event" and also the length
and passion with which points have been argued here.

Whether Milton would have expected us to end with the certainty of
knowledge is, of course, a different matter.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Todd

Todd Butler
Buchanan Assistant Professor
Department of English
Washington State University
(509) 335-7639
butlert at wsu.edu