8. On his Blindness

 

The poem is a famous sonnet by Milton. It expresses of Milton's anguish over the loss of his eye-sight. He regards inability to produce good poetry. God has endowed him with poetic talent. He wants to serve God by writing poems in his praise. Being blind he can't write poems. He fears that God would take him to task for using his talent. But then his inner voice tell him that God does not need any man's service. Those who are willing to serve Him are as much loyal to God as th9se who actually serve Him.

On His Blindness BY-   John Milton

•        This is a very beautiful poem by John Milton. It gives us a very good message. God is the creator. Man should have complete faith in God. God is our well wisher. He does not need our services. Humans who are humble and patient serve God best.

 

 

 

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……….. 

 

Questions:

1. In the first line 'light' is a…………. for vision. (alliteration, metaphor)

1. metaphor.

 

2. The word 'spent means (used up, alienated)

2. used up.

 

3. Name the poet of this poem.

3. The name of the poet is John Milton.

 

4. What is the meaning of the word `talent' in the line "... And that one talent "?

4. 'Talent' means poet's ability to write poetry, given to him by God.

 

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.

 

Questions:

1. Name the poet.

1. The name of the 'poet is John Milton.

 

2. The speaker is about to "murmur" the question about whether God would be so cruel as to make impossible of Work; but then who steps in to stop him?

2. His spirit of patience i.e. his inner voice steps into stop him from murmuring.

 

3. What does Patience say about God?

3. It says that God does not need either man's service or His gifts given to man.

 

4. Which line in the poem says, "The one who accepts God's control over his own existence is the best servant of God"?

4. The line is:

 `Who best ear his mild yoke'.