On His Blindness | John Milton | Summary | Generations | Grade XII
Short summary:
On His Blindness is a sonnet that begins with a
question that the poet asks and ends with Patience’s reply to the question. The
poem avoids the use of the word blind in order to merge the physical fact with
the spiritual implications.
Summary
On
His Blindness is a sonnet, written in first person that reflects poet's
experience after he lost his vision. The poet loses his sight at an early and
productive age, so he feels helpless to achieve his goal of his life. He considers
that his poetic talent will remain useless and God shall be angry at him.
He compares his inability to use his talent to the spiritual death. He raises a
question if the God still expects some work from him after taking his eyesight.
The poet suspects his own capability that if God is still expecting some
service from him, can he be able to carry out it. Suddenly he realizes his own
foolishness to suspect God. God does not require the service of man nor does God
take back the gift. God is almighty and supreme. It is therefore silliness on
his part to think that God requires his services.
In
fact they serve God the most who patiently and without a grumble sacrifices
themselves to God's will and tolerate all kinds of sufferings. A little calm
and careful thinking leads the poet to believe that the question of disservice
to God does not arise at all. Of course he is supreme, and has countless divine
servants to carry out His commands. Finally the poet concludes that even if he
is blind and unable to do any service to God, he should only remain loyal.
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