Critical Appreciation of 'On His Blindness'

Critical Appreciation of ‘On his blindness’
-by John Milton
Introduction- John Milton, the famous English Poet was blinded at the age of
approximately 44 years of age. This poem "On his blindness" was written in
between 1652-1655 when Milton was totally blinded. It is about blindness of
Milton and his self doubt of not able to contribute in service of God through his
gift of poetry. This poem is a pearl in the ocean of English literature. It is
considered among finest of Milton's poetry.
Central Idea- Milton was one of the greatest poets in English. In this sonnet "On
his blindness" he displays his philosophy of life. He thought that this gift of poetry
writing which was given by the God to him is left unused now as he would not be
able to write poetry thereafter. He thought that God would punish him for not
able to serve him. In the end he gets answers of his doubts that submission to
God is also service and those who silently bear judgements of God also serve him
equally.
Themes
1. Obedience towards God- The main theme of the poem is to be obedient
towards God, never doubt his judgements and silently bear every torment
in life.
2. Spirituality- Poem has a special theme of spirituality in life. Human
considers that there is a supreme power above its existence i.e. God in
front of whom everyone is answerable after life for his deeds. Milton is
apprehensive of the same as his blindness has stopped him from serving to
God in form of his poetry whose talent was given by God to him.
3. Frailty of Human body- Human body is susceptible to various weaknesses. It
may fall prey to many infirmities. Such was the scene with Milton who got
blinded in middle age.
Figure of Speech
1. Personification- Patience is personified when it is said that 'Patience, to
prevent that murmur'. Even Death is also personified in line 'And that one
talent that Death to hide'.
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2. Enjambment- When a sentence/thought remains incomplete at the end of
line and is completed in continued line is called Enjambment. Such as-
"And that one Talent which is death to hide"
"Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent"
"They also serve who only stand and wait.”
3. Metaphor- In the very first line of the poem 'light' has double meaning i.e.
ability to see and life. Hence it is a metaphor used for 'Life' too.
4. Consonance - In the second line of the poem 'World and wide' words have
consonance as repetition of consonant /w/ is succeeded by change of
vowels.
5. Rhetorical Question- "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”. It has
rhetorical question as the question is not asked to get information. But it is
used to achieve a greater expressive force. It has its own answer.
6. Assonance- Repetition of vowel /O/ in line "And post o’er Land and Ocean
without rest" has assonance.
Autobiographical- Poem is autobiographical in the nature. Poet has explained his

mental and physical state after getting blind. His pessimism towards life after
blindness is evident in first half of the poem. Poet has presented that situation
and doubts rose in perspective of using that poetry writing talent. But it is well
known that his greatest writing Paradise Lost was written in complete blindness.
Hence in second half of this poem 'optimism' comes out from inner self towards
life and its hurdles and he accepts his condition.
Religious elements- We can see this poem from religious perspective too. Milton
entered into phase of self doubt and value of his existence. He thought that God
would be disappointed in him as he wouldn't be able to serve him through his
talent. This tussle in the mind comes to end when he gets an inner voice to tell
him that those who stand and wait also serve the God equally. Hence Milton's
fear of Christian belief of final judgement day after life heightened religious
theme.
Structure and Rhyme scheme- On his blindness is a Miltonic sonnet written in

Petrarchan manner. It is not strictly divided into octave and sestet. But similar to
other Milton's poems it states a problem at the onset of the poem and solution
comes at later part of the poem.
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Critical Appreciation of ‘On his blindness’

-by John Milton

Autobiographical- Poem is autobiographical in the nature. Poet has explained his

Structure and Rhyme scheme- On his blindness is a Miltonic sonnet written in

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