Chapter 6


On His Blindness


►► Very Short Type Questions & Answers:

1. What does the word 'light' symbolize in the poem?

Ans: It symbolizes both the speaker's eyesight and his life span.

2. What biblical reference is made in the poem regarding 'talent'?

Ans: It refers to the Parable of the Talents from the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

3. What is the primary theme of the poem?

Ans: Faith, patience, and acceptance of God's will.

4. What question does the speaker ask in line 7?

Ans: 'Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?' (Does God require work from a blind person?)

5. What literary device is used in the phrase 'mild yoke'?

Ans: Biblical allusion (to Matthew 11:30).

► Short Type Questions & Answers:

1. Explain how Milton uses the metaphor of 'light' in the poem. How does it contribute to the overall meaning of the poem?

Ans: In 'On His Blindness', John Milton uses the metaphor of 'light' to represent both physical sight and the broader concept of intellectual illumination. The opening line, 'When I consider how my light is spent,' refers to the loss of his sight, a personal tragedy for a poet, as it directly impacts his ability to write. This loss of light, or vision, marks the speaker's despair over his diminishing ability to fulfill his calling. However, 'light' also symbolizes the speaker's talent, creativity, and spiritual purpose. Milton, having been deprived of his sight, laments that his 'one talent', his ability to write and serve God through his words, is now 'useless' without the light of vision.

The metaphor of light extends beyond the physical and intellectual realms. Light traditionally represents divine guidance, and the speaker's initial question-whether God expects him to labor in darkness-reveals his struggle with the meaning of his affliction. Through the voice of Patience, Milton realizes that God's expectations are not based on physical abilities but on the spiritual willingness to serve. The metaphor of light ultimately reinforces the poem's message: true service to God transcends physical limitations. Patience teaches the speaker that even in blindness, he can serve by yielding to God's will, showing that spiritual service comes in various forms.

2. How does the structure of the Petrarchan sonnet contribute to the development of the poem's theme? Discuss with reference to the octave and sestet.

Ans: The structure of the Petrarchan sonnet in 'On His Blindness' plays a crucial role in developing the poem's theme of patience, faith, and the nature of human service to God. The sonnet is divided into two main parts: the octave (the first eight lines) and the sestet (the last six lines). This division mirrors the internal conflict and subsequent resolution that the speaker undergoes.

In the octave, Milton introduces the speaker's anguish and sense of loss due to his blindness, which he perceives as a barrier to fulfilling his potential and serving God. The octave is characterized by a questioning tone, where the speaker wonders how he can use his talents for God's glory if he can no longer see. This establishes the central theme of struggle between the speaker's desire to serve and his perceived inability to do so due to his blindness.

In the sestet, however, the tone shifts to one of acceptance and understanding. Through the personification of 'Patience', the speaker comes to realize that serving God does not always require visible or active efforts. This resolution emphasizes the idea that faith and patience are integral to spiritual service. Thus, the Petrarchan structure, with its clear contrast between conflict and resolution, reflects the theme of spiritual growth through patience and faith, even in the face of hardship.

►► Long Type Questions & Answers:

1. Discuss the significance of the 'Parable of the Talents' in shaping the central argument of the poem. How does Milton reinterpret this biblical story in the context of his blindness?

Ans: The 'Parable of the Talents', found in the 'Gospel of Matthew' (25:14-30), plays a crucial role in shaping the central argument of John Milton's 'On His Blindness'. In the parable, a master entrusts his servants with talents (large sums of money), expecting them to invest and multiply these resources. When the master returns, he praises the servants who have increased the talents and condemns the one who buried his talent out of fear, leading to the well-known biblical message: "For to every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."

At the beginning of the poem, Milton references this parable to express his fear of divine judgment. He perceives his blindness as a loss of the ability to fulfill his potential and serve God as he once could. In this context, Milton feels that his 'talent'-his skill as a writer-has been taken from him, leaving him in a state of paralysis. His concern is that, like the servant in the parable who failed to invest his talent, he too will be condemned for not using his abilities to the fullest extent.

However, Milton reinterprets the parable in light of his spiritual understanding. The poem's turning point comes when Patience, personified as a guiding voice, helps Milton to understand that serving God does not always involve active labor. The key insight here is that God does not demand 'productivity' or 'works' from everyone in the same way. The willingness to accept one's limitations and trust in God's plan is also a form of service. Milton reinterprets the parable, suggesting that 'they also serve who only stand and wait'. In other words, patience and endurance in the face of suffering can be just as valuable in the eyes of God as active work.

By redefining the 'Parable of the Talents', Milton shifts the focus from external productivity to an internal attitude of faith and submission. He concludes that, though his blindness limits his ability to physically "work," he is still able to serve God through his patience and trust in divine justice. Thus, Milton reconciles his perceived failure with a deeper understanding of spiritual service, emphasizing that the value of a person's faith and acceptance of divine will transcends external actions. This reinterpretation broadens the scope of divine service to include those who are unable to work in the conventional sense, highlighting the importance of spiritual humility and patience in fulfilling God's purpose.

2. Milton's poetry is often associated with his Puritan beliefs. How does 'On His Blindness' reflect his religious convictions, particularly in relation to the concept of divine service?

Ans: John Milton's 'On His Blindness' reflects his Puritan beliefs in profound ways, especially in relation to the concept of divine service. As a Puritan, Milton held the view that all human actions should be directed toward glorifying God, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and devotion. This ethos is evident throughout the poem, where Milton wrestles with his blindness as a barrier to fulfilling what he perceives as his divine duties. However, the resolution of this internal struggle leads him to a deeper understanding of divine service, rooted in patience and faith rather than mere outward action.

Divine Service and Human Effort: At the core of Milton's Puritan convictions is the belief in the importance of individual spiritual responsibility. Puritans emphasized the need for personal salvation through active, faithful service to God. Milton's initial despair in 'On His Blindness' arises from his feeling that his blindness impedes his ability to serve God as he once had through writing and public work. He questions how he can honor God without the means of his creative talents, expressing a sense of frustration and inadequacy. This reaction reflects a Puritan mindset that equates service to God with active labor and productivity, a concern central to his religious worldview.

Submission to Divine Will: However, as the poem progresses, Milton reaches a spiritual resolution, reflecting his Puritan belief in divine providence and the necessity of submission to God's will. The personified figure of Patience in the poem offers the insight that 'they also serve who only stand and wait', which leads Milton to understand that divine service is not confined to active or visible labor but can also involve passive obedience. This represents a shift from his initial belief that active deeds are the only valid form of service to an acknowledgment that God's justice is beyond human understanding, and thus, spiritual service can take many forms. This echoes the Puritan conviction that God's will must be accepted, even if it involves personal suffering or hardship.

The Role of Faith and Patience: Milton's Puritan beliefs also emphasize the need for steadfast faith in God's plan. The ultimate message of the poem that one can serve God even through suffering and limitation-aligns with Puritan teachings on grace, patience, and submission to divine authority. Rather than focusing solely on one's own ability to act, Milton recognizes that faith and patience in the face of adversity can be just as pleasing to God. This shift underscores the Puritan idea that spiritual fulfillment comes from trusting in God's justice and accepting one's limitations as part of God's divine design. In conclusion, 'On His Blindness' is deeply intertwined with Milton's Puritan beliefs, particularly regarding the concept of divine service. The poem explores the tension between human limitations and the desire to serve God actively, only to resolve in a deeper understanding that service can take many forms. The acceptance of passive service through patience reflects Milton's religious convictions about submission to God's will, reinforcing the Puritan principle that true divine service transcends human expectations and is defined by faith, humility, and trust in God's greater plan.