6. Ireland, 1641

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About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, Diane discusses the Irish Rebellion of 1641. In particular, Diane focuses on how the Rebellion was presented back in London. In reality, the rebellion was a "standard noble revolt" with grievances related to land rights and redistribution. In London, however, it was presented as a mass Catholic uprising. With many believing that this was the latest attempt of a king of questionable religious views to impose Catholicism on England, his authority collapsed.

Course

This course provides key historical context for John Milton's 'Paradise Lost', looking in particular at the figure of Charles I. The course is divided into nine parts. The first seven look at Charles' early years (1600-25), his early reign (1625-29), the period of Personal Rule (1629-40), his problems in Scotland (1639-40) and Ireland (1641), and the English Civil War (1642-51). The last two look at the impact of Charles' reign on Paradise Lost, as well as Milton's own politics in this period.

Lecturer

Diane Purkiss is a Professor at Keble College, Oxford. She has published two books on the English Civil War - 'The English Civil War: A People's History' (2006) and 'Literature, Gender, and Politics during the English Civil War' (2005).