Critical Analysis of "ON HIS BLINDNESS"
Critical Analysis of "ON HIS BLINDNESS"
Critical Analysis of "ON HIS BLINDNESS"
ON HIS BLINDNESS
The Background
"On His Blindness" is sonnet poem composed by John Milton in 1652. John Milton, an English
poet, who, by 1655 at age 48, was blind. His ability to write was threatened and, as a result, his
relationship with God became complicated..Here you will find the analysis of on his blindness
by John Milton.
The Structure
The poem On His Blindness is a typical Italian sonnet that has a noticeable rhyming scheme. It’s
divided into 2 parts. The first part is an octave (first 8 lines of a poem called octave) while the
second is a sestet. The poet used metaphor, alliteration, personification and other literary
devices in driving home his message.
The Meaning
"On His Blindness" is a thought provoking poem that reflects on the reality of being blind. The
poet, John Milton became completely blind in his middle age . As a result, he couldn’t use his
poetic talent properly. He's upset about wasting 'that Talent of Writing t which is given by
God' .For him, the condition is a spiritual death
. His soul desires to serve God with his poetic talent which is the best power he has from
God .Milton is frustrated that his lack of sight is preventing him from serving God when he
wants to so badly:
“Though my Soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present”
Does God need services of man ?
He goes on to ask whether God still requires the services of a blind man or not and concludes
that God doesn’t need the service of a man or the account of the gifts bestowed on him by God.
"God doth not need, Either man's work or his own gifts”
. He explains that the best thing is for one to accept to the will of God in hardships and in
painful situations. Only those who accept to His will serve him the most
” Who best,Bear his milde yoak, they serve him bes”.