On his blindness – John Milton
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide - NSC English FAL - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 7
On his blindness – John Milton
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lod... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:On his blindness – John Milton
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide - NSC English FAL - Question 7 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
7.1.1 What type of sonnet is this?
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Answer
This poem is a Petrarchan (Italian) sonnet, which consists of an octave and a sestet.
Step 2
7.1.2 What do the first eight lines signify?
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Answer
The first eight lines of the poem are called the octave. In this section, the speaker questions God about his blindness and expresses his struggle to accept this condition.
Step 3
7.1.3 What do the last six lines signify?
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Answer
The last six lines are called the sestet. Here, the speaker ultimately accepts his blindness and reflects on the nature of service to God regardless of his physical limitations.
Step 4
7.1.4 What is the significance of the word 'chide'?
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Answer
The word 'chide' implies a reprimand or scolding. The speaker is concerned that God may chastise him for not using his talents now that he is blind.
Step 5
7.1.5 Does God expect the speaker to use his talent even if he is blind?
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Answer
The speaker wonders whether God expects him to use his talent despite his blindness. This reflects the internal conflict between his desire to serve and his recognition of his limitations.
Step 6
7.1.6 What does the speaker learn from Patience?
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Answer
The speaker learns that God does not require special gifts to serve Him. Instead, it is emphasized that everyone can serve God through their actions, no matter their circumstances.
Step 7
7.1.7 Who are the ones that worship God best?
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Those who are able to bear their burdens without complaint are considered to worship God best. The emphasis is on faithfulness and acceptance of one's situation.
Step 8
7.1.8 Open-ended response
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Answer
This poem illustrates the struggle of the speaker with his blindness, but it ultimately conveys a powerful message about faith and the nature of service to God. The acceptance of limitations does not diminish one's ability to serve, as exemplified in the lines about how many can fulfill God's will even without sight.
