Overview of the Poem

Title: “On His Blindness”
Author: John Milton
Published: Around 1655

Context

Historical Context

John Milton wrote “On His Blindness” after he became completely blind in 1652. This period was marked by significant political and religious upheavals, with Milton deeply involved in these transformations as a staunch supporter of the Commonwealth. The sonnet reflects Milton’s internal conflict and acceptance of his blindness, set against the backdrop of his active role in the English Civil War and the Interregnum.

Biographical Context

Milton was a prolific poet, polemicist, and intellectual, well-known for his involvement in the political and religious debates of his time. His blindness, which began in the early 1650s and became complete by 1652, posed a severe personal and professional challenge. Despite this, he continued to write, dictating his works to scribes, including his epic “Paradise Lost.”

Structure and Form

Form

“On His Blindness” is an Italian sonnet, also known as a Petrarchan sonnet. This form consists of an octave and a sestet, providing a framework that allows for a problem and resolution structure.

Structure

• Octave (first 8 lines): Follows the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA. The octave typically introduces a problem or situation.
• Sestet (final 6 lines): Follows the rhyme scheme CDECDE. The sestet offers a resolution or commentary on the octave’s problem.
• Meter: The poem is written in iambic pentameter, giving it a rhythmic and formal quality typical of Milton’s work.

Summary and Analysis

Summary

The poem begins with the speaker lamenting his blindness and questioning how he can serve God without his sight. He reflects on his inability to use his talent and fears that he will be judged for not doing so. The turning point, or volta, occurs when the speaker realizes that God does not require active service but rather patience and faith. The poem concludes with the assertion that those who bear their burdens with patience also serve God.

Themes

• Faith and Submission: The speaker ultimately submits to God’s will, trusting in divine providence despite his physical limitations.
• Purpose and Service: Reflects on how one can serve God and fulfill their purpose even when faced with significant challenges.
• Inner Light vs. Outer Darkness: Contrasts physical blindness with spiritual insight, emphasizing that inner vision is more important than physical sight.

Key Lines and Interpretation

Opening Line: “When I consider how my light is spent”

This line sets the contemplative tone of the poem. The “light” symbolizes both Milton’s physical sight and his inner creative and intellectual faculties. The speaker reflects on how his blindness affects his ability to serve God and fulfill his potential.

Volta Line: “But patience, to prevent”

The volta marks a shift in the poem’s tone and perspective. The speaker moves from despair to a more accepting and philosophical outlook, realizing that patience and faith are also valuable forms of service to God.

Closing Line: “They also serve who only stand and wait.”

This famous line emphasizes that active service is not the only way to fulfill one’s duty to God. Passive acceptance and enduring life’s challenges with patience are equally significant forms of service.

Literary Devices

Imagery

Milton uses imagery of light and darkness to underscore the contrast between physical blindness and spiritual insight. This imagery helps convey the speaker’s internal struggle and eventual acceptance.

Personification

Patience is personified, playing an active role in the speaker’s journey towards acceptance. This device highlights the importance of patience and submission in the face of adversity.

Allusion

The poem contains references to biblical concepts and parables, particularly the idea of using one’s talents to serve God. These allusions deepen the poem’s theological implications and connect Milton’s personal struggle to broader religious themes.

Critical Reception

Interpretation

“On His Blindness” has been widely analyzed for its theological implications and its reflection of Milton’s personal struggle with blindness. Scholars have explored how the poem balances personal lament with a profound expression of faith and submission to God’s will.

Significance

The sonnet is considered one of Milton’s finest works, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions and ideas within the strict confines of the sonnet form. It stands as a testament to his resilience and unwavering faith, despite his physical limitations.

Exam Tips

Close Reading

Pay attention to how Milton uses the sonnet form to structure his argument. Note the shift in tone and perspective between the octave and sestet, which is crucial for understanding the poem’s resolution.

Thematic Analysis

Be prepared to discuss the themes of faith, service, and acceptance. Understanding how these themes are interwoven throughout the poem will provide deeper insights into its meaning.

Contextual Knowledge

Having a good grasp of Milton’s life and the historical context of his writing can enrich your analysis of the poem. Knowing about Milton’s personal and professional challenges adds a layer of depth to your interpretation.

Further Reading

Biographical Works

Explore biographies of John Milton to gain a deeper understanding of his life, struggles, and the historical context in which he wrote.

Critical Essays

Reading critical essays on “On His Blindness” can provide various interpretations and analyses, offering different perspectives on the poem’s themes and structure.

Comparative Analysis

Compare “On His Blindness” with other works by Milton, particularly his epic “Paradise Lost.” This can help you understand common themes and stylistic features in Milton’s oeuvre.

FAQs

What is the main theme of “On His Blindness”?
The main theme is the acceptance of one’s limitations and the understanding that faith and patience are also forms of service to God.

Why did Milton write “On His Blindness”?
Milton wrote the poem after he became completely blind, reflecting on his personal struggle with his blindness and how it affected his ability to serve God.

What is the significance of the poem’s structure?
The Italian sonnet structure, with its octave and sestet, allows Milton to present a problem and then resolve it. This structure mirrors the speaker’s journey from despair to acceptance.

How does Milton use imagery in the poem?
Milton uses light and dark imagery to highlight the contrast between physical blindness and spiritual insight, emphasizing the importance of inner vision over physical sight.

What role does patience play in the poem?
Patience is personified and plays a crucial role in the speaker’s acceptance of his blindness. It represents the virtue of enduring life’s challenges with faith and submission to God’s will.

How has “On His Blindness” been received by critics?
The poem is widely regarded as one of Milton’s finest works, praised for its theological depth, emotional resonance, and masterful use of the sonnet form.

Conclusion

“On His Blindness” by John Milton is a profound meditation on human suffering, divine justice, and the nature of service to God. Through the lens of his own blindness, Milton explores themes of faith, patience, and acceptance, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition.