On His Blindness Questions and Answers
On His Blindness
Does Milton reflect on his own blindness in sonnets 19 and 23?
Milton reflects on his own blindness in Sonnet 19 by expressing his frustration over being unable to serve God fully, but ultimately accepting that he can serve by bearing God's "mild yoke." In...
On His Blindness
Themes and Poetic Devices in "On His Blindness"
In "On His Blindness," John Milton explores themes of faith, patience, and divine service through poetic devices like alliteration, assonance, and personification. The poem reflects Milton's struggle...
On His Blindness
What does "They also serve who only stand and wait" mean in "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," the line stating that "They also serve who only stand and wait" means that if one is ready and waiting to do God's bidding, one is already serving God.
On His Blindness
Analysis and critical appreciation of John Milton's "On His Blindness."
John Milton's "On His Blindness" reflects his struggle with losing his sight and his faith in God's plan. The poem explores themes of patience, acceptance, and service to God, emphasizing that one...
On His Blindness
What moral message does Milton's "On His Blindness" convey?
The moral message of Milton's "On His Blindness" is that God does not always need the work of human beings or the exercise of their talents. What God wants is for people to "bear his mild yoke," as...
On His Blindness
Milton's "On His Blindness" Sonnet Form and Rhyme Scheme
John Milton's "On His Blindness" is a Petrarchan sonnet, characterized by its distinct rhyme scheme of ABBAABBACDECDE. This format comprises an octave with an ABBAABBA pattern, followed by a sestet...
On His Blindness
The meaning and reference of "mild yoke" in Milton's "On His Blindness."
In Milton's "On His Blindness," the phrase "mild yoke" refers to the light burden of serving God despite personal hardships. It signifies that God's expectations are gentle and manageable, even for...
On His Blindness
What does "death to hide" mean in Milton's "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," Milton says that he has one talent which is "death to hide." By this he means that it feels like a sort of death to him to be unable to express his gifts as he once could.
On His Blindness
What is the speaker's attitude in Milton's "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," the speaker's attitude shifts from sorrow and frustration to acceptance. Initially, he resents his blindness for hindering his ability to serve God through writing. However,...
On His Blindness
What meter is used in "On His Blindness"?
The meter used in "On His Blindness" is iambic pentameter. Each line has five metrical feet, with each foot consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
On His Blindness
Who serves God best according to the poem "On his Blindness"?
According to "On his Blindness," those who serve God best are those who bear his "milde yoak" patiently. The poem suggests that God values patience and quiet contemplation over active deeds,...
On His Blindness
Milton's unwavering faith and desire to serve God in "On His Blindness."
In "On His Blindness," Milton expresses unwavering faith and a deep desire to serve God despite his blindness. He grapples with the fear that his lack of sight will prevent him from using his...
On His Blindness
"On His Blindness" by John Milton Overview and Date of Composition
"On His Blindness" by John Milton is a sonnet exploring the poet's struggle with his blindness and his service to God. Written in the early 1650s, it reflects Milton's personal experience, as he...
On His Blindness
Explanation and paraphrasing of "On His Blindness" by John Milton
In "On His Blindness," John Milton reflects on his blindness and his fear that he can no longer serve God through his poetry. He worries about his talent being wasted but finds comfort in the...
On His Blindness
What does the last line of the poem "On His Blindness" mean?
The last line of "On His Blindness" by John Milton means that serving God doesn't require active work or deeds. Instead, it emphasizes patience and acceptance of one's circumstances, as exemplified...
On His Blindness
Themes and Causes of Lament in Milton's "On His Blindness"
In "On His Blindness," Milton laments his loss of sight and its impact on his ability to serve God. The poem explores themes of faith, patience, and acceptance, as Milton grapples with his blindness...
On His Blindness
What do "day-labor," "mild yoke," and "stand and wait" mean in "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," "day-labor" refers to the work expected during daylight, questioning if God demands such work despite blindness. "Mild yoke" symbolizes the light burden of serving God,...
On His Blindness
Who titled the poem "On His Blindness"?
The title "On His Blindness" was given to John Milton's poem by the eighteenth-century cleric Thomas Newton. Milton himself originally titled the poem "Sonnet 19," as it was one of many sonnets...
On His Blindness
Symbolism of Light in "On His Blindness"
In John Milton's poem "On His Blindness," "light" symbolizes both his physical vision and his life. The poem reflects Milton's struggle with blindness, which impedes his ability to serve God through...
On His Blindness
What does Milton's soul wish for in "On His Blindness"?
In “On His Blindness,” Milton’s soul wishes to continue serving God by using his literary talents, but he does not know how to accomplish this.
On His Blindness
What is the meaning of "talent" in the poem "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," the word "talent" refers to Milton's poetic ability. Milton laments that his blindness prevents him from using his writing talent to serve God. However, he realizes through...
On His Blindness
Who is the poet compared to in "On His Blindness" and why?
In "On His Blindness," the poet John Milton compares himself with one of three servants found in the parable of the talents told by Jesus in the Bible. The poet compares himself with the servant who...
On His Blindness
Why is the poet in "On His Blindness" unhappy with God?
The poet is initially unhappy with God because his blindness seems to prevent him from serving God through his writing, a gift he believes was divinely given. This perceived loss challenges his...
On His Blindness
Milton's concern about the usefulness of his talent due to his blindness in "On His Blindness"
In "On His Blindness," Milton worries about the usefulness of his talent due to his blindness because he fears he can no longer serve God effectively. He questions how he can fulfill his purpose and...
On His Blindness
What sound devices does Milton use in "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," Milton uses sound devices such as rhyming couplets and alliteration.
On His Blindness
Why is the poet bitter in "On His Blindness" opening lines?
In the opening lines of "On His Blindness," the poet is bitter because being blind makes it very difficult for him to use his literary talent to glorify God.
On His Blindness
Discuss "On His Blindness" by Milton in light of the statement "Patience is a virtue."
"On His Blindness" by Milton illustrates the virtue of patience through the poet's struggle with his blindness. Initially, Milton fears that his inability to write due to his blindness makes him...
On His Blindness
How do thousands of angels serve at God's command in "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," Milton suggests that thousands of angels serve God by quickly responding to His commands and tirelessly traveling across land and ocean. These angels also serve by patiently...
On His Blindness
What feeling does "Lodged with me useless" evoke in John Milton's "On His Blindness"?
The phrase "Lodged with me useless" in John Milton's "On His Blindness" evokes feelings of helplessness and despair. Milton, who lost his sight, feels his blindness renders him ineffective and...
On His Blindness
How does Milton conclude that those who only stand and wait also serve?
Milton concludes that those who "only stand and wait" also serve by reflecting on his blindness in "When I Consider How My Light Is Spent." Initially, he worries about not using his talent for God's...
On His Blindness
Why is the talent referred to as useless in "On His Blindness"?
The talent is referred to as useless in "On His Blindness" because Milton feels his blindness prevents him from using his God-given gift of poetry. This frustration stems from the Biblical Parable of...
On His Blindness
Why, according to "On His Blindness" by John Milton, doesn't God need man's work?
According to "On His Blindness" by John Milton, God doesn't need man's work because He is omnipotent and complete, lacking nothing. Instead, God desires man's complete submission to His will. The...
On His Blindness
Why might God chide the speaker in "On His Blindness"?
God might chide the speaker for not using his talents despite his blindness. The speaker fears that God expects him to continue his poetic work without sight. However, he learns that God does not...
On His Blindness
The significance of the term "murmur" in Milton's "On His Blindness."
The term "murmur" in Milton's "On His Blindness" signifies a soft, subdued complaint or expression of discontent. It reflects the poet's struggle with his blindness and his initial feelings of...
On His Blindness
Who is accused of stealing the poet's youth in "On His Blindness"?
In the poem "On His Blindness" by John Milton, time has already stolen the poet's youth, and he confronts the loss of his eyesight.
On His Blindness
What is the theme of the octave in "On His Blindness"?
The theme of the octave in "On His Blindness" is Milton's struggle with his blindness and its impact on his ability to serve God through his writing. The octave presents a personal conflict,...
On His Blindness
What problem does the octave identify in "On His Blindness", and what solution does the sestet provide?
The octave of "On His Blindness" identifies Milton's struggle with understanding his blindness in the context of his religious duty and service to God. It questions why God would deprive him of...
On His Blindness
What abstract idea is personified to calm the speaker's worries in "On His Blindness"?
In "On His Blindness," John Milton personifies the abstract idea of Patience to calm the speaker's worries. Patience acts as a divine informant, explaining that God does not require work from...
On His Blindness
How does grammatical analysis help understand the main idea of "On His Blindness"?
Grammatical analysis of Milton's "On His Blindness" reveals the main idea is a theological inquiry rather than a personal lament. The poem's structure, with a delayed independent clause, shifts focus...