Summary and Analysis of “On His Blindness” by John Milton

On his blindness by John Milton is an exemplary ode remarkable English poetic agility. With realistic essence in each stanza, this sonnet has attained elevated ranks in literary society.  The spiritual connotation rooted in the poem has a significant distinction in the lustrous world.

Overview

On his blindness, written in the first person, is the mouthpiece of the poet himself, who has surrendered to the will of God entirely and hopes for his tenderness and rectitude. John Milton lost his sight at the age of 48, which made him frantic and hopeless. However, soon he finds his direction to the eternal peace of his soul.

 The poem is a reflection of Milton's theory of life.

The first stanza of the poem refers to the anguish and suffering of the poet due to the casualty of his eyesight.Summary

The author assumes that the loss of his eyesight is the loss of his surveillance and knack that was bestowed on him by God. Hence, the enlightened days of his life have been darkened by misery, under the shadows of blindness. Therefore, his ability has been devalued. He is no longer a normal man with natural potential. Accordingly, his intuition of poetic composition and artistic wisdom is worthless. He can no longer promote his talent. There's no endeavor in his life and no obstacles, that require hard work to cross. His life has no motive and his vitality is futile. 

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In the next stanza, the writer soon comprehends that it wasn't his propensities that withered but it was lamentation that made it vanish. Despite the sorrow, he should be thankful for his skills and vision. He emphasizes that God still wants him to serve humanity and utilize his inbuilt sight for a prosperous world. He wonders that he must contribute to provoking spring in the garden of humanity. He must use his wisdom to eradicate the rust of leaves and to shower bloom on the flowers through the leverage of his sacred words.

In the last stanza, the poet illustrates the key to optimism, no matter, what you have lost, you should always strive for the progress of yourself, your mind, your soul, and your body.

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You must resume labor and loiter for the mercy and blessings of God. Milton personifies patience as a rescue from the dilemma and catastrophe. Let yourself be the angel who works for God without any avarice of profit.

Theme

This poem “On his blindness” is a divine and universal sermon to all those tormented people who have unbounded faith in God’s plan. It’s an indication that we always have to be passionate and promising when it comes to aiding humanity.

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