“On His Blindness”
Introduction:
“On His Blindness” is a sonnet by John Milton, written around 1655. It was published in Milton’s collection of poems, “Poems of Mr. John Milton, both in English and Latin,” published in 1673.
The sonnet is also known by its first line, “When I consider how my light is spent.” The poem reflects on Milton’s blindness and his struggle to continue to serve God despite his physical limitations. “On His Blindness” is his response to this physical affliction in light of his faith and understanding of God’s will.
About the Poet:
John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant, renowned for his significant contributions to English literature, particularly during the 17th century.
Here’s an overview of Milton’s personal life and major works:
Personal Life:
- Early Life: John Milton was born on December 9, 1608, in London, England, into a middle-class family. He was baptized at All Hallows Church in Bread Street, London. He received a classical education at St. Paul’s School and then attended Christ’s College, Cambridge.
- Education: Milton was an exceptional student, displaying a strong aptitude for languages and literature. He studied various subjects, including Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and modern languages which greatly influenced his later works.
- Political and Religious Views: Milton held strong political and religious beliefs, advocating for individual liberty and religious freedom. He supported the parliamentary cause during the English Civil War and wrote numerous political tracts defending republican principles and denouncing censorship.
- Blindness: In his early forties, Milton gradually lost his eyesight due to glaucoma, eventually becoming completely blind. Despite his blindness, he continued to write and compose some of his most famous works with the assistance of scribes.
His Marriages:
John Milton married three times in his lifetime:
- Mary Powell: Milton’s first wife was Mary Powell, whom he married in 1642. Mary was the daughter of a Royalist, and their marriage took place shortly after the outbreak of the English Civil War. However, the marriage faced significant challenges, and Mary returned to her family’s home within a few months of the wedding. She remained separated from Milton for several years.
- Katherine Woodcock: Following Mary’s departure, Milton married Katherine Woodcock in 1643. However, Katherine passed away shortly after their marriage, within a year or so.
- Elizabeth Minshull: Milton’s third and final marriage was to Elizabeth Minshull in 1663. Elizabeth was a much younger woman, and this marriage appeared more successful than his previous unions. Elizabeth outlived Milton and was named as his widow in his will.
Milton’s marriages were marked by personal difficulties, including his blindness and political and religious differences. However, they also influenced his poetry and writings, as evident in his works addressing themes of love, marriage, and relationships.
Milton as a Reformist:
John Milton played a significant role as a reformist, particularly in the realms of politics, religion, and education. Here are some key aspects of his role as a reformist:
- Political Reform: Milton was deeply involved in the political upheavals of his time, particularly during the English Civil War (1642-1651). He staunchly supported the parliamentary cause against the monarchy and authored numerous political tracts advocating for republican principles and establishing a Commonwealth. His most famous political work, “The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates” (1649), defends the right of a people to depose and execute a tyrannical ruler, laying the groundwork for the execution of King Charles I.
- Religious Reform: Milton was a staunch advocate for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. He believed in the right of individuals to interpret scripture according to their conscience, rejecting the authority of ecclesiastical hierarchies. His pamphlet “Areopagitica” (1644) is a passionate defense of freedom of speech and expression, particularly in matters of religion, arguing against censorship and advocating for the open exchange of ideas.
- Educational Reform: Milton held progressive views on education, advocating for universal access to learning and the importance of a liberal education. He believed education should be grounded in reason and virtue, aiming to cultivate individuals capable of critical thinking and moral judgment. His tract “Of Education” (1644) outlines his vision for a comprehensive educational system that emphasizes the development of the individual’s intellectual and moral faculties.
- Literary Reform: As a poet and writer, Milton played a key role in the reform of English literature and language. He championed the use of vernacular English in poetry and sought to elevate the status of English literature to that of the classical languages. His epic poem “Paradise Lost” (1667) exemplifies his mastery of language and verse. While engaging with complex theological and philosophical themes, he contributed to English literature to new heights.
Overall, John Milton’s role as a reformist was multifaceted. He contributed greatly to the political, religious, educational, and literary spheres. His advocacy for liberty, reason, and individual autonomy continued to resonate in modern discussions of politics, religion, and culture.
His Major Works:
- “Paradise Lost” (1667): Milton’s epic poem “Paradise Lost” is considered one of the greatest literary achievements in the English language. It recounts the biblical story of the Fall of Man, exploring themes of sin, redemption, and the nature of evil.
- “Paradise Regained” (1671): This sequel to “Paradise Lost” focuses on the temptation of Christ in the wilderness and his ultimate victory over Satan. It is a shorter and more theological work compared to its predecessor.
- “Samson Agonistes” (1671): A dramatic poem inspired by the biblical story of Samson, this work explores themes of fate, heroism, and redemption. It is considered one of Milton’s major works in the genre of classical tragedy.
- “Lycidas” (1637): Written in the form of a pastoral elegy, “Lycidas” mourns the death of Milton’s friend Edward King, who drowned at sea.
- Prose Works: Milton wrote numerous prose works, including political tracts such as “Areopagitica” (1644), which defends freedom of speech and expression, and “The Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce” (1643), advocating for the liberalization of divorce laws.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the poem:
The poem begins with the speaker Milton lamenting his condition, acknowledging that he has lost his sight, which he refers to as the “light.” He compares his loss of sight to the daily labour that one expects to perform under the light of day. This sets the tone for the poem, establishing the central theme of grappling with adversity and questioning one’s purpose in life.
The second line, “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” suggests the speaker’s initial reaction to his blindness, questioning whether God expects him to continue to work and serve despite being deprived of the ability to see. This line reflects the speaker’s struggle to reconcile his faith with his physical condition, wondering if God demands the same level of productivity from him now that he is blind.
The third line introduces the metaphor of being a “talent” entrusted to God. In biblical terms, talent refers to a unit of weight or money, but in this context, it symbolizes the individual gifts or abilities that God bestows upon each person. The speaker questions whether God requires him to use his talents in a specific way, despite his inability to see.
The fourth line, “Who best bear his mild yoke, they serve him best,” suggests that those who willingly accept and bear God’s “mild yoke” or burden serve Him the best. Here, the speaker shifts from questioning to acceptance and recognizing that serving God does not necessarily require physical sight but rather a willing heart and spirit.
In the final paragraph, the speaker resigns to his fate, acknowledging that God’s ways are beyond human understanding. He concludes by stating, “They also serve who only stand and wait,” emphasizing that even in this state of blindness and apparent inactivity, he still serves God by patiently waiting for His guidance and purpose to be revealed.
Rhyme Scheme:
The rhyme scheme in John Milton’s sonnet “On His Blindness” is typically Petrarchan, also known as an Italian sonnet. The rhyme scheme is ABBAABBACDCDCD. This scheme consists of an octave (the first eight lines) followed by a sestet (the last six lines), where the octave often presents a problem or question that the sestet resolves or answers.
Conclusion:
Overall, “On His Blindness” is a deeply introspective poem that explores themes of faith, acceptance, and the human response to adversity. Through the speaker’s journey from questioning to acceptance, Milton reflects on the universal experience of grappling with life’s challenges and finding meaning and purpose in adversity.