Introduction to the Sonnet “On His Blindness”:
John Milton’s “On His Blindness” is an Italian (Petrarchan) sonnet, differing in form from the English sonnet. The Italian sonnet is divided into two main parts: the octave, consisting of eight lines, and the sestet, made up of six lines. The octave itself is arranged in two quatrains, while the sestet is divided into two tercets. The poem follows the rhyme scheme
abba abba cde cde.
Milton, a revolutionary thinker and political leader, lost his eyesight completely in 1653. Two years later, in 1655, he composed this sonnet “On His Blindness” under the intense grief of his blindness. Deeply personal in nature, the poem reveals Milton’s sorrow at losing his vision in the prime of his life. He feels that his poetic gift—meant to glorify God—has been rendered useless, as blindness prevents him from writing. Milton worries that he may be failing in his duty to use his talent in service of God, fearing divine displeasure. However, Patience consoles him, reminding him that God does not depend on human labour, for He is almighty and has countless servants. Ultimately, the sonnet “On His Blindness” conveys the idea that the truest service to God lies in humble obedience and patient acceptance of His will.
Summary of the Sonnet “On His Blindness”:
Milton’s Shock and Sense of Uselessness:
Milton is deeply shocked whenever he considers his miserable life in this wide world as a blind man. He regards himself as a burden on the earth for his life is of no use. His great poetic talent which he wanted to use throughout his life has become useless for a blind man can’t write anything.
Desire to Serve God and Doubts About His Expectations:
His soul is eager to sing in the prayer of God to present his ability but the blindness is the cruel obstacle. Milton fears that God will be angry seeing Milton’s lack of contribution in the field of poetry. Milton asks if God expects from him to work throughout his life in spite of blindness. It is Milton’s firm faith in God that he realises the foolishness of his own question.
Patience and God’s Omnipotence:
Milton’s patience consoles him that God is omnipotent. He does not need any man’s work. He does not take back his gifts. He is highly generous towards His sons – the people of the world. Those who obey His discipline and wait for His commands are His best servants, for he gives importance to mental inclination more than physical action.
God’s Servants and Milton’s True Service:
He has numberless servants. Angels are eager to serve time with their super-fast movements. He is omniscient and knows well whether the person is willing to obey Him or not. Because Milton is willing to serve God in spite of blindness, he is a true servant of God.
Critical Appreciation of the Sonnet “On His Blindness”:
Introduction:
“On His Blindness” is an immortal sonnet composed by Milton. In 1653 he became blind. In 1655, he composed this sonnet under the deep agony caused by his untimely blindness.
An Italian Sonnet:
Milton’s “On His Blindness” is an ideal sonnet in Italian pattern. It differs from the English sonnet in structure. It has an octave of eight lines and a sestet of six lines. The octave is divided in two stanzas of four lines each. The sestet is divided into two tercets of three lines each. It observes the following rhyme: abba, abba, cde, cde.
Development of Thought:
In the first stanza Milton expresses his deep disappointment for he has become blind in the middle of his life. He is not able to use his poetic talent. In the second stanza he fears that his inability in using the poetic talent may make God angry. He feels irritated also that his blindness has made him invalid. In the second tercet he exposes God’s omnipotence and his faith in his justice.
“They also serve who only stand and wait?”
High Imagination:
The sonnet presents Milton’s high imagination. He imagines that God will be angry with him. He imagines that God does not need any man’s work and we should bear his mild yoke. He imagines the super status of God.
“His state
Is kingly. Thousands at His Bidding speed
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;”
Sensuous Pictures:
Milton’s great pictorial art is very well used in this sonnet. A beautiful word picture of the world for a blind man in present in the following words:
“in this dark world and wide”.
The following lines present a remarkable sensuous picture.
“Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best.”
Figurative Language:
The sonnet is an example of Milton’s grand style. The sonnet is full of high seriousness. He uses figures like personification, metaphor, hyperbole.
‘But Patience, to prevent that murmur’ (Personification)
‘His state is kingly’ (Metaphor)
‘Thousands at … rest’ (Hyperbole)
Milton uses symbolism…… Gifts are symbol or abilities. He uses myth-making:
‘He returning chide’.
