Part B — Poetry
Poem 7: On His Blindness
Class 12 General English | PSEB | A Rainbow of English
Poet: John Milton
1. Central Idea of the Poem
“On His Blindness” is a sonnet in which John Milton expresses his sadness and anxiety over losing his eyesight. He fears that blindness will prevent him from using his God-given talent for writing poetry. He worries that he may fail to fulfil his duty to God because he can no longer work as he did before.
At first, Milton wonders whether God expects him to use his talent even though he has lost his sight. He fears that his inability to write may amount to a failure to serve God. However, the personified figure of Patience reminds him that God does not need human work or gifts. Those who patiently accept God’s will and bear their difficulties with humility serve Him best.
The poem concludes with the idea that service to God does not always require visible action. Patience, faith and humble acceptance are also forms of service. The poem teaches us to accept our limitations and understand that everyone can serve God in their own way.
2. Comprehension and Enjoyment
Q1. Give the central idea of the poem.
Answer:
The poem expresses John Milton’s sorrow and anxiety after he loses his eyesight. He worries that blindness will prevent him from using his poetic talent and fulfilling his duty to God. He fears that he may be held responsible for failing to use the gift he has received. However, Patience reminds him that God does not need human work or gifts. Those who patiently accept God’s will and bear their difficulties with humility serve Him best. The poem conveys the message that service is not limited to physical work; faith, patience and acceptance are also valuable forms of service.
Q2. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow.
“When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless…”
(a) In the first line, “light” is a ______ for vision. (alliteration, metaphor)
Answer: Metaphor.
The word “light” is used metaphorically to represent the poet’s eyesight. The loss of light symbolises his blindness.
(b) The word “spent” means ______. (used up, alienated)
Answer: Used up.
The word suggests that the poet’s eyesight has been lost or exhausted before he has reached the middle of his life.
(c) Name the poet of this poem.
Answer: The poet is John Milton.
(d) What is the meaning of the word “talent” in the line “And that one talent…”?
Answer: The word “talent” refers to Milton’s poetic ability or gift for writing poetry. He believes that this talent has been given to him by God and worries that he cannot use it properly because of his blindness.
Q3. Read the following lines and answer the questions that follow.
“But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, ‘God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.’”
(a) Identify the figure of speech in the lines “But Patience, to prevent / That murmur, soon replies…”
Answer: Personification.
Patience is presented as if it were a person who can speak and respond to Milton’s doubts. This figure of speech makes Patience appear as a wise voice that guides the poet towards understanding and acceptance.
(b) The speaker is about to “murmur” the question about whether God would be so cruel as to make impossible demands of work, but then who steps in to stop him?
Answer: Patience steps in to stop Milton from expressing this doubt. It reminds him that God does not demand work that a person is unable to perform. Instead, God values patience, humility and acceptance of His will. This reassurance helps Milton overcome his anxiety about his inability to write because of blindness.
(c) What does Patience say about God?
Answer: Patience explains that God does not need human work or even the gifts He has given to people. God is like a mighty king who has thousands of servants ready to carry out His commands. Those who patiently bear their difficulties and accept His will serve Him best. Even people who cannot perform active work can serve God through faith, patience and humble waiting.
(d) Which line in the poem says, “The one who accepts God’s control over his own existence is the best servant of God”?
Answer: The line is:
“Who best / Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best.”
It means that those who accept God’s will and patiently bear their responsibilities and difficulties are among His best servants.
3. Important Points for Revision
- The poem is written by John Milton.
- It is a sonnet expressing the poet’s feelings about losing his eyesight.
- “Light” is a metaphor for vision.
- “Talent” refers to Milton’s gift for writing poetry.
- Milton worries that blindness will prevent him from using his talent to serve God.
- Patience is personified as a voice that answers Milton’s doubts.
- God does not need human work or gifts; He values patience and acceptance.
- The line “They also serve who only stand and wait” expresses the poem’s central lesson.
- The poem teaches faith, humility, patience and acceptance of one’s limitations.
Suggested reading: “All the World’s a Stage” by William Shakespeare, as recommended in the textbook.
Exam preparation tip: Remember the poem’s progression: Milton’s loss of eyesight, his fear that he cannot use his talent, Patience’s response, and the final message that patient acceptance is also a form of service to God.