On His Blindness by John Milton

About the Poet

• John Milton (1608-1674): A deeply religious English poet.
• Education: Studied at Cambridge University; travelled Europe as a young man.
• Political Involvement: Supported Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War; had to go into hiding when Charles II came to power.
• Blindness: Became blind at 44. Composed poems by reciting them to his daughters to transcribe.
• Famous Works: "Paradise Lost" is his most celebrated piece.

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Themes

Key Themes:

• Serving God: The poet questions how to serve God while blind.
• Blindness and Disability: Explores personal struggles with his disability.
• Using One's Talents: Reflects on the responsibility of using God-given gifts.

Central Message:

• Realises that waiting patiently and accepting God's will is also a form of service.
• Based on the parable of the talents in the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

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Structure and Form

Type: Italian (Miltonic) sonnet.

• 14 Lines: Split into an octave (problem presented) and a sestet (solution or resolution).
• Rhyme Scheme: ABBA ABBA CDECDE.

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Summary and Analysis

Octave (Lines 1-8)

• Problem: Milton reflects on:
• Losing his "light" (metaphor for eyesight).
• Feeling his God-given "talent" is wasted as he can no longer write.
• Fear that God might blame him for not using his gift.
• Key Ideas:
• "Light": Represents eyesight and also spiritual guidance.
• "Dark world": Symbolises blindness and a life without clarity.
• "Bent to serve": Shows his determination to fulfil God's purpose.
• Tone: Frustration, confusion, and fear.

Sestet (Lines 9-14)

• Resolution:
  • Introduces "Patience" (personified) to address his doubts.
  • Realises that serving God does not require active work – accepting His will is enough.
  • Highlights God's vast power and the many ways others can serve.
• Key Ideas:
  • "Mild yoke": Refers to God's gentle expectations.
  • "Stand and wait": Accepting one's limitations is also service to God.
  • Tone: Shifts to acceptance and peace.

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Tone and Mood

• Octave: Frustrated, fearful, worried, and confused.
• Sestet: Becomes calm, accepting, and reflective.
• Mood: Inspires humility and patience in the reader.

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Key Words and Definitions

• Consider: Think about.
• Light: Ability to see or spiritual insight.
• Spent: Used up or finished.
• Talent: A God-given skill or gift.
• Lodged: Stored or placed securely.
• Chide: Scold or blame.
• Yoke: A symbol of burden or responsibility.
• Mild: Gentle or light.
• State: Condition or position.
• Bidding: Command or request.
• Post o'er: Travel across.

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Did You Know?

• The title "On His Blindness" was added later by Bishop Newton; Milton's original title is unknown.
• A "talent" was a coin in the Bible symbolising gifts given by God.