Euphrasy, Rue, Polysemy, and Repairing the Ruins

Abstract

Examines the euphrasy and rue which Michael applies to Adam’s eyes in book 11 of Paradise Lost, which have been variously glossed by editors of the poem. In medieval and early modern herbals euphrasy was associated with joy or cheerfulness in contrast to rue’s association with sorrow, reinforcing the poem’s “ethical message of tempering joy with sorrow,” which “accords with other exhortations toward moderation” in Paradise Lost. Euphrasy was also, thanks to false etymology, associated with pleasing eloquence and poetry, allowing Milton an occasion for wordplay. Noting that Adam “does not always judge or interpret the visions [shown to him in books 11 and 12] correctly,” Stelzer suggests that “the remedy Michael administers in book 11 is temporary and imperfect, albeit extraordinary.”