Analysis of John Milton's "On His Blindness"

Aug 1, 2024

Lecture Notes: "On His Blindness" by John Milton

Introduction

  • Poem: "On His Blindness"
  • Author: John Milton, one of the greatest poets
  • Context: Milton lived in Puritan England, near the end of Shakespeare's life
  • Background: Milton was from an affluent family, a brilliant scholar, and turned blind at age 44 due to extensive reading by candlelight

Milton's Literary Style

  • Grand Style: Term coined by Matthew Arnold
    • Rich vocabulary
    • Superb poetic diction
    • Scholarliness reflected in his writing

Structure of the Poem

  • Sonnet: 14 lines
  • Type: Petrarchan sonnet
    • Octave (8 lines): Presents a problem or issue
    • Sestet (6 lines): Offers a resolution
    • Rhyme Scheme: ABBAABBA (octave), CDECDE (sestet)

Background of the Poem

  • Written: 1655, after Milton went completely blind in 1652
  • Published: 1673
  • Confusion in Numbering: Referred to as Sonnet 19 or Sonnet 16 in different collections

Summary and Analysis of the Poem

  1. Octave (Lines 1-8): Milton's Reflection on Blindness
    • Light: Represents life, vision, and intellect
    • Talent: Reference to the biblical parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
    • Struggle: Milton's fear that his talent is wasted due to his blindness
    • Question: Whether God would expect labor from him despite his blindness
  2. Sestet (Lines 9-14): Reconciliation and Acceptance
    • Patience: Personified, consoles Milton by saying God does not need man's work
    • Service to God: Best done by bearing burdens faithfully, even if it means waiting
    • Volta: The turn from lamentation to acceptance and reassurance

Key Themes and Symbols

  • Light: Symbolizes life, vision, intellect, and spiritual enlightenment
  • Talent: Represents Milton's creative abilities and responsibilities
  • Yoke: The burden or responsibilities given by God, referencing the lighter yoke of Jesus
  • Patience: Acceptance of one's limitations and trust in divine will
  • Service: Even waiting faithfully is a form of service to God

Important Lines

  • "They also serve who only stand and wait": Emphasizes that faithful waiting is valuable service

Conclusion

  • Universal Theme: Overcoming despair through faith and patience
  • Calvinist Belief: Possible reference to predestination, where God's grace is pre-determined
  • Message: Encouragement for those in despair to trust in God's plan and wait for their time to serve

Additional Notes

  • Historical Context: Milton's life during the turbulent times of Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan rule
  • Personal Struggle: Milton’s ability to continue creating masterpieces like "Paradise Lost" despite blindness

Study Tips

  • Understand Literary Devices: Enjambment, volta, and personification
  • Contextual Understanding: Familiarize with the biblical parable of talents and historical context of Milton's life
  • Themes and Symbols: Focus on the deeper meanings of light, talent, and service in the poem