10 Questions
What is the central theme of the poem 'On His Blindness'?
The poet's frustration and sadness at becoming blind
What does the poet feel when he thinks of his poetic talent lying useless?
Frustration
When did Milton become blind?
At the age of 44
What is the central theme of the sonnet described in the text?
The conflict between impatience with blindness and the acceptance of God's will
What does the poet feel about his talent for writing poetry?
He feels it is a gift from God to serve Him
What shift does the poem signal?
A shift from anger towards God to realization of God's plan
What does Milton conclude about serving God at the end of the sonnet?
Serving God involves patiently accepting whatever happens in life
What does Milton realize about complaining against the will of God?
It is foolish because God does not require man's work
How does Milton resolve his initial impatience with his blindness?
By submitting completely to the will of God without complaint
What does the phrase 'stand and wait' symbolize in the context of the sonnet?
The significance of patience, devotion, and submission to God
Study Notes
"On His Blindness" by John Milton
- The central theme of the poem is the poet's struggle to come to terms with his loss of sight and its impact on his ability to write.
- Milton feels a sense of despair and frustration when he thinks of his poetic talent lying useless due to his blindness.
- Milton became blind in 1655, after a period of intense literary activity.
- The central theme of the sonnet is the poet's crisis of faith and his quest to reconcile his physical disability with his spiritual obligations.
- The poet feels a sense of regret and anxiety about his talent for writing poetry, which he believes is being wasted due to his blindness.
- The poem signals a shift from despair to resignation and ultimately, to acceptance and faith.
- At the end of the sonnet, Milton concludes that serving God is not limited to physical abilities, but can be done through patience and inner strength.
- Milton realizes that complaining against the will of God is futile and that he must accept his condition with humility.
- Milton resolves his initial impatience with his blindness by recognizing that true service to God lies not in external actions, but in internal obedience and submission.
- The phrase 'stand and wait' symbolizes patience, trust, and faith in the divine will, which is the ultimate message of the sonnet.
Test your knowledge of John Milton's autobiographical sonnet 'On His Blindness' with this quiz. Explore the themes, figurative language, and historical context of the poem.
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