John Milton On His Blindness summery

In this post, notes of Unit 2 (Reading Poetry – John Milton: ‘On his Blindness’) from DSC – 1 (Introduction to Literary Studies) are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.

 

John Milton: ‘On His Blindness’

 

Introduction to John Milton and his historical context

John Milton (1608–1674) was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant, best known for his epic poem “Paradise Lost.” He lived during a tumultuous period in English history, and his life and works were deeply influenced by the political, religious, and social context of the time.

 

Early Life and Education of John Milton :

Birth and Family:

• John Milton was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England, to John Milton Sr. and Sara Jeffrey Milton.
• His father was a prosperous scrivener (a legal and financial writer) and also composed music.

 

Education:

• Milton attended St. Paul’s School in London and then entered Christ’s College, Cambridge, in 1625.
• He excelled in languages, literature, and music during his education.

 

Political and Religious Context:

Stuart England:

• Milton lived during the Stuart period, which was marked by political and religious turmoil, including the reigns of James I and Charles I.

 

Civil War (1642–1651):

• The English Civil War erupted between the Royalists (supporters of the king) and the Parliamentarians (supporters of the Parliament).
• Milton supported the Parliamentarians and wrote several pamphlets advocating for the republican cause.

 

Interregnum:

• After the execution of King Charles I in 1649, England became a republic known as the Commonwealth of England.
• Milton served as Secretary for Foreign Tongues under Oliver Cromwell’s government.

 

Restoration (1660):

• The monarchy was restored in 1660 with the return of Charles II, leading to the end of the Commonwealth.
• Milton, who had actively supported the republic, faced political and legal challenges.

 

Literary Works of John Milton :

Early Works:

• Milton wrote various poems and prose works before the Civil War, including “L’Allegro,” “Il Penseroso,” and “Comus.”

 

Pamphlets and Prose:

• During the Civil War, Milton wrote numerous political and religious pamphlets, including “Areopagitica,” a defense of free speech.

 

Paradise Lost (1667):

• His magnum opus, “Paradise Lost,” is an epic poem that retells the biblical story of the fall of man.
• It explores themes of free will, disobedience, and the nature of evil.

 

Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes (1671):

• Milton’s later major works include “Paradise Regained” and the dramatic poem “Samson Agonistes.”

 

Blindness and Later Life of John Milton :

Blindness:

• Milton gradually lost his eyesight, becoming completely blind by 1652.
• Despite his blindness, he continued to write with the help of amanuenses.

 

Legacy:

• John Milton’s contributions to literature and political thought have had a profound and lasting impact.
• His emphasis on individual liberty and his literary achievements have made him a key figure in English literature.

 

Death of John Milton:

• John Milton died on November 8, 1674, in London, at the age of 65.
• His funeral was attended by notable figures, recognizing his literary and political legacy.

 

John Milton’s life and works reflect the complex intersection of politics, religion, and literature during a transformative period in English history. His enduring influence is evident in the continued study and appreciation of his writings today.

 

On His Blindness Summery and analytics

“On His Blindness,” also known as “Sonnet XIX,” is a reflective and poignant sonnet written by John Milton. The poem explores Milton’s contemplation of his own blindness and his struggle to reconcile his faith with his physical condition. Here’s a summary and analysis of the poem:

 

On His Blindness Summery:

Stanza 1:

Milton begins by lamenting his own blindness, referring to it as a talent given by God that he has lost. He likens his eyesight to a precious possession, a “light” that he cherished, but now he lives in a world of darkness. He expresses the sadness of not being able to use this talent and serve God as he once did.

 

Stanza 2:

The poet grapples with the idea of being judged by God based on how well one uses the talents given. He wonders if God demands active service and if He would punish those who, like Milton, have lost their ability to serve due to circumstances beyond their control. The question of divine justice and expectations is central to this stanza.

 

Stanza 3:

Milton resolves his internal conflict by redefining the concept of service. He realizes that God does not necessarily demand outward, physical service. Instead, he comes to understand that patience and a humble acceptance of God’s will can also constitute faithful service. The final lines express a sense of hope and trust in God’s wisdom.

 

john milton on his blindness Analysis:

Theme of Loss and Acceptance:

• The poem’s central theme is Milton’s loss of eyesight and his struggle to accept this loss. The initial stanzas are marked by a sense of mourning and questioning God’s purpose.

 

Religious Reflection:

• The poem is deeply rooted in religious themes, as Milton contemplates his relationship with God and the nature of divine justice. It reflects Milton’s Puritan beliefs and his attempt to reconcile his faith with his personal challenges.

 

Talent and Service:

• Milton explores the concept of talent as a gift from God and questions whether God expects active service in return. The poem grapples with the idea of using one’s talents for God’s glory and the potential guilt associated with not being able to do so.

 

Redefined Service:

• The resolution in the final stanza marks a shift in Milton’s understanding of service. He concludes that patience and humble acceptance of God’s will, even in the face of adversity, can be a form of faithful service. This realization brings a sense of peace and hope.

 

Use of Sonnet Form:

• The poem is a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, consisting of an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). The octave presents the problem or conflict, while the sestet provides a resolution or a shift in perspective.

 

Tone and Emotion:

• The tone of the poem is initially mournful and reflective, but it transforms into one of acceptance and submission to divine will. Milton’s emotional journey is evident in the shifting moods throughout the sonnet.

 

“On His Blindness” is a powerful exploration of faith, loss, and acceptance. Through this sonnet, Milton grapples with profound questions about the nature of service to God and finds solace in redefining his understanding of what it means to serve faithfully despite physical limitations.

 

Theme and message of ‘On His Blindness’

Theme of On His Blindness:

The central theme of John Milton’s “On His Blindness” revolves around the poet’s profound contemplation of his own blindness and the theological and philosophical questions it raises. The sonnet explores the themes of loss, faith, divine justice, and the nature of service to God.

 

1. Loss and Adversity:

• The poem begins with Milton lamenting the loss of his eyesight. The use of the word “talent” in the context of vision suggests that he views his ability to see as a gift or talent bestowed upon him by God. The theme of loss is evident in his expression of sorrow over the extinguished “light” of his eyes.

 

1. Faith and Trust in God:

• Milton grapples with the challenge of reconciling his faith with his physical condition. The poem reflects his deep religious convictions and Puritan beliefs. The exploration of whether God demands active service and the questioning of divine justice are central to this theme.

 

1. Redefined Service:

• A significant aspect of the theme is the redefinition of the concept of service to God. Initially, Milton wonders if God expects outward, physical service from individuals. However, as the sonnet progresses, he comes to the realization that patience and humble acceptance of God’s will can also constitute faithful service.

 

Message of On His Blindness:

The sonnet conveys several messages, addressing both the personal struggles of the poet and broader theological questions.

 

1. Acceptance of Adversity:

• A key message is the importance of accepting adversity and finding meaning in one’s circumstances. Milton, despite his initial despair over losing his eyesight, ultimately accepts his condition with humility and patience.

1. Reevaluation of Service:

• The poem encourages a reevaluation of the concept of service to God. While external actions may be limited by circumstances, internal qualities such as patience and acceptance are recognized as valuable forms of service.

1. Trust in God’s Wisdom:

• Milton’s journey in the poem leads him to trust in God’s wisdom and purpose. The acceptance of his blindness becomes an act of faith, as he acknowledges that God’s understanding surpasses human comprehension.

1. Spiritual Resilience:

• “On His Blindness” conveys the idea of spiritual resilience in the face of adversity. Milton’s ability to transform his initial grief into a reaffirmation of faith and a new understanding of service exemplifies resilience in the spiritual realm.

1. Hope in Submission:

• The final lines of the sonnet suggest a hopeful message in submission to God’s will. By embracing patience and recognizing the limitations of human understanding, Milton finds a sense of peace and hope for the future.

In essence, “On His Blindness” is a deeply introspective and spiritually rich poem that grapples with the complexities of human experience, faith, and the acceptance of circumstances beyond one’s control. Through his personal journey, Milton imparts timeless messages about resilience, redefined service, and trust in divine providence.

 

Form and structure of ‘On His Blindness’

“On His Blindness,” also known as “Sonnet XIX,” is a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, a poetic form that consists of 14 lines. The poem is structured with an octave (eight lines) followed by a sestet (six lines), and it adheres to a specific rhyme scheme. Here are the details of the form and structure of the sonnet:

 

Form of ‘On His Blindness’ :

1. Sonnet Type:

• “On His Blindness” is a Petrarchan sonnet, a form that originated with the Italian poet Petrarch. It contrasts with the Shakespearean or Elizabethan sonnet, which has three quatrains followed by a rhymed couplet.

1. Total Lines:

• The sonnet consists of 14 lines.

 

Structure of ‘On His Blindness’:

Octave (First Eight Lines):

Rhyme Scheme:

• The octave follows the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA.
• This means that the first and fourth lines rhyme with each other, the second and third lines rhyme with each other, and the fifth and eighth lines rhyme with each other.

Presentation of Conflict:

• The octave typically presents a problem or conflict, and in “On His Blindness,” this section is where Milton expresses his lamentation and explores the initial questions about the purpose of his blindness and his ability to serve God.

Sestet (Last Six Lines):

1. Rhyme Scheme:

• The sestet follows the rhyme scheme CDCDCD.
• The rhyme pattern in the sestet is more varied, with no repeated rhymes from the octave. This helps create a shift in tone or perspective.

1. Resolution or Shift:

• The sestet often provides a resolution to the conflict presented in the octave. In “On His Blindness,” this section marks the shift in Milton’s thinking, where he comes to a realization about the nature of service to God and finds a sense of acceptance.

Meter:

1. Iambic Pentameter:

• The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a metrical pattern where each line consists of five iambs (pairs of syllables with the stress on the second syllable).
• This meter gives the poem a rhythmic and flowing quality.

Other Structural Considerations:

1. Volta (Turn):

• The sonnet form often includes a volta or “turn,” which is a shift in tone, perspective, or argument. In “On His Blindness,” the volta occurs between the octave and the sestet, signaling the poet’s change in thought from lamentation to acceptance.

1. Couplet:

• The final two lines of the sonnet often form a rhymed couplet. In “On His Blindness,” the couplet serves to conclude the poem and encapsulate the poet’s final thoughts on the theme of service and submission to God’s will.

In summary, the form and structure of “On His Blindness” follow the traditional Petrarchan sonnet pattern, employing the octave-sestet division, specific rhyme schemes, and iambic pentameter to convey John Milton’s contemplation on his blindness and its spiritual implications.

 

Literary devices and language of ‘On His Blindness’

John Milton’s “On His Blindness” employs various literary devices and a rich use of language to convey the poet’s deep emotions, contemplation, and spiritual journey. Here are details on the literary devices and language used in the poem:

 

Literary Devices Used in On his Blindness:

1. Metaphor:

• The opening line contains a metaphor: “When I consider how my light is spent.”
• The use of “light” metaphorically refers to both Milton’s eyesight and his life’s purpose or talent.

1. Personification:

• The eyes are personified in the line, “And that one Talent which is death to hide.”
• The talent is personified as something that can be hidden or lost.

1. Enjambment:

• The poem features enjambment, where lines flow into each other without a pause, creating a continuous and flowing rhythm.
• For example, “When I consider how my light is spent, / Ere half my days in this dark world and wide.”

1. Alliteration:

• Alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, is present in lines such as “When I consider how my light is spent.”
• The repeated “l” sound emphasizes the contemplative mood of the poem.

1. Assonance:

• Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words, is found in lines like “But, patience, to prevent.”
• The repetition of the short “e” sound creates a musical quality in the language.

1. Symbolism:

• The “Talent” mentioned in the poem symbolizes not just eyesight but also the poet’s abilities and purpose in life.

1. Irony:

• There is an ironic element in the line “Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?” as Milton questions whether God demands active service when he is deprived of the physical ability to perform it.

1. Rhetorical Question:

• The poem contains rhetorical questions such as “Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?” These questions are not meant to be answered directly but serve to emphasize the poet’s internal struggle.

Language used in On his Blindness:

1. Archaisms:

• Milton uses some archaic language and phrasing, reflective of the time in which he lived. For example, “Doth” instead of “Does,” and “Ere” instead of “Before.”

1. Elevated Diction:

• The poem employs elevated or formal language, characteristic of Milton’s style, contributing to the serious and contemplative tone.

1. Biblical Allusion:

• The reference to the biblical concept of talents comes from the Parable of the Talents in the Gospel of Matthew. This allusion adds a religious layer to the poem.

1. Imagery:

• The use of visual imagery is evident in lines like “When I consider how my light is spent” and “Haste, while the morning hours thy candles waste.”
• These images enhance the reader’s understanding of the poet’s internal struggle and the fleeting nature of time.

1. Shift in Tone:

• The poem undergoes a shift in tone from despair and questioning in the octave to acceptance and resolution in the sestet. This shift is conveyed through the choice of language and diction.

1. Contrast:

• The poem contrasts the physical loss of eyesight with the internal, spiritual understanding of service to God. This contrast is expressed through carefully chosen words and phrases.

“On His Blindness” is a masterful use of language and literary devices, blending emotional depth with intellectual contemplation. Milton’s choice of words, metaphors, and rhetorical devices contributes to the richness and complexity of the poem, allowing readers to delve into the poet’s introspective journey and theological reflections.

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