John Milton's On His Blindness Quiz and Flashcards

Questions and Answers

The poet's frustration and sadness at becoming blind

Frustration

At the age of 44

The conflict between impatience with blindness and the acceptance of God's will Signup and view all the answers

He feels it is a gift from God to serve Him Signup and view all the answers

A shift from anger towards God to realization of God's plan Signup and view all the answers

Serving God involves patiently accepting whatever happens in life Signup and view all the answers

It is foolish because God does not require man's work Signup and view all the answers

By submitting completely to the will of God without complaint Signup and view all the answers

The significance of patience, devotion, and submission to God Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The central theme of the poem "On His Blindness" is the poet's struggle with his loss of sight and its impact on his creative talent.
When the poet thinks of his poetic talent lying useless, he feels a sense of profound sadness and frustration.
John Milton became blind in 1652.
The central theme of the sonnet is the poet's crisis of faith and his coming to terms with his blindness.
The poet initially feels that his talent for writing poetry is useless and unproductive due to his blindness.
The poem signals a shift from despair to acceptance and spiritual enlightenment.
Milton concludes that serving God is not limited to physical acts, but also to mental and spiritual endeavors, even in the state of blindness.
Milton realizes that complaining against the will of God is futile and leads to more suffering.
Milton resolves his initial impatience with his blindness by recognizing that true strength lies in patience and waiting on God's will.
The phrase "stand and wait" symbolizes the poet's acceptance of his condition and his willingness to wait for God's guidance and direction.