On His Blindness
By 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,
“Doth God exact day labour, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: “God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post over land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Summary of On His Blindness
John Milton’s “On His Blindness,” penned in 1673, is a deeply personal sonnet that grapples with the poet’s loss of sight and his struggle to reconcile his diminished capacity for work with his devotion to God. The poem explores faith, acceptance, and the true meaning of service. It is not simply a lament of lost ability, but a profound meditation on how to live a meaningful life even when faced with significant hardship.
At its heart, the poem centers on Milton’s fear that his blindness renders his God given “talent” – his poetic skill – useless. He worries that he can no longer adequately serve God through his work. However, through the personification of “Patience,” Milton arrives at a crucial realization: true service is not solely defined by active labor, but by a humble acceptance of God’s will. The poem ultimately suggests that even in stillness and perceived uselessness, one can serve God by embodying patience and faith.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in On His Blindness
Literary devices are the tools writers use to enhance their work, adding layers of meaning and creating a more impactful experience for the reader. “On His Blindness” is rich in these devices, contributing to its enduring power.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words. Milton skillfully employs assonance to create musicality and emphasis. For example, the repetition of the /ai/ sound in “Doth God exact day labour, light denied?” draws attention to the central question of the poem.
- Allusion: An indirect reference to another work or concept. The phrase “one talent” (line 3) alludes directly to the parable of the talents in the Gospel of Matthew, adding depth by suggesting the responsibility one has to use God given gifts.
- Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Notice the repetition of the /w/ sound in “world and wide” (line 2), emphasizing the vastness of the world.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. “Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed” (line 11) demonstrates consonance with the repeated /d/ and /s/ sounds, creating a sense of energetic action.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. This is abundant throughout the poem, creating a natural, conversational flow. For example, “I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent that murmur, soon replies…” (lines 7–8). The enjambment mimics the internal dialogue and shifting thoughts within the speaker’s mind.
- Imagery: The use of vivid language to create mental pictures. Phrases like “dark world and wide” (line 2) and “bear his mild yoke” (line 10) evoke powerful images, helping the reader connect emotionally with the speaker’s struggle.
- Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The “talent” (line 3) itself functions as a metaphor for Milton’s poetic ability. The entire poem can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition – the struggle to find purpose and meaning in the face of adversity.
- Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. “Patience” is personified as a voice that answers the speaker’s questions and offers guidance, embodying the resolution and acceptance the poem ultimately promotes.
- Pun: A play on words. In the opening line, “When I consider how my light is spent” (line 1), “light” refers both to eyesight and to a life’s span, creating a subtle layer of meaning.
- Rhetorical Question: A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer. “Doth God exact day labour, light denied?” (line 7) is a rhetorical question that expresses the speaker’s internal conflict and challenges conventional notions of service.
- Symbolism: The use of objects or ideas to represent something else. “Light” symbolizes not only vision but also understanding, inspiration, and spiritual enlightenment. Blindness therefore represents a loss of these qualities.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in On His Blindness
Beyond literary devices, “On His Blindness” employs specific poetic techniques that contribute to its artistic merit.
- End Rhyme: The poem adheres to a strict rhyme scheme, creating musicality and structure that is integral to the sonnet form.
- Sonnet: “On His Blindness” is a Petrarchan sonnet, characterized by its 14 lines divided into an octave (8 lines) and a sestet (6 lines). The octave typically presents a problem or question, while the sestet offers a resolution or answer.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem follows the ABBAABBA CDECDE rhyme scheme. This pattern contributes to the poem’s musicality and reinforces its thematic structure. The octave’s interlocking rhyme scheme creates a sense of containment, while the sestet’s looser scheme signals a shift toward resolution.
- Volta (Turn): A crucial element of sonnet form, the volta is a shift in thought or emotion. In “On His Blindness,” the volta occurs around line 9 with the introduction of “Patience.” This marks a turning point from despair and questioning to acceptance and understanding.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “On His Blindness” offer profound insights and are suitable for speeches or essays addressing themes of faith, perseverance, and finding meaning in hardship.
“To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account lest he returning chide,” (lines 5–6) – reflects the speaker’s initial motivation and sense of duty.
“They also serve who only stand and wait.” (line 14) – embodies the poem’s central message: true service isn’t always about active labor, but about patient acceptance and unwavering faith.
“On His Blindness” is a timeless exploration of the human condition, offering solace and inspiration to those grappling with adversity. Its masterful use of literary and poetic devices, combined with its profound thematic depth, ensures its continued relevance for generations to come.