Seasonal Variations in the Flow of Milton’s Poetic Vein: Neurophysiological Considerations

The vagaries of poetic inspiration have often been regarded as ineffably mysterious, and have provoked conjectures since antiquity. Instead of invoking the muses, we today are more apt to consider neurophysiological factors. The case of the great English poet John Milton, whose poetic inspiration seemed to follow a marked seasonal pattern, is considered here, and evidence is presented to show changes in this pattern over his lifetime. In contrast to a vernal efflorescence in youth the poetical efforts of more advanced age (leading to his masterpiece Paradise Lost) showed an autumnal and winter pattern. By way of explanation, possible hormonal influences on brain functions are discussed.