On His Blindness POET:John Milton (1608 – 1674) TYPE:Petrarchan/Italian Sonnet THEME:Accepting one’s fate with calm patient resignation.

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, though my soul more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide, "Doth God exact day-labour, light denied"? I fondly ask; 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." Sonnet 19: On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent, contemplate/ reflect on/think about Lamp Talent Eyesight Life Used up Light is a metaphor! Line 1

Line 2 Ere half my days in this dark world and wide before Half of his expected lifespan Alliteration: Links the two words to emphasize the insecurity of his world. Inversion:  Rhyme  To emphasize his despair and loneliness

Line 3 and that one talent which is death to hide Allusion Math 25: 14 – 30 The poet reverses the parable: He wants to use his talent. coinGod-given faculty Poetic genius It is a sin to hide one’s talents – punishable by death!

Line 4 & 5 Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent His talent is worthless Inner self More determined than ever. Reflects a tone of bitterness To serve therewith my Maker, and present To use his talent Sign of reverence

Line 6 My true account, lest He returning chide honest Report on or give an account of what you did with your talents In case Judgement Day Scold / reprimand /punish

Line 7 “Doth God exact day-labour light denied?” does  Lay claim  Expect  Get by force A full day’s work. When you can’t see Does God demand a full day’s work even if you are blind?

Line 8 I fondly ask ; Foolishly Has a positive connotation semi-colon Indicates a change in tone from a mood of bitter frustration to a mood of submission. Patience to prevent Personification: His own ability to be patient (a Christian virtue) is personified

Line 9 & 10 That murmur, soon replies, Complaining – the word proves that his question is not explosive. “God does not need Either man’s work or his own gifts; Patience is speaking here! God is self-sufficient He does not need our work or the talents which he gave us

Line 10 & 11 who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. carry accept Never too heavy! The burdens that God places upon us. Carved wooden bar used as a harness You can also serve God by accepting the burdens placed on you.

Line 11 & 12 His state Is kingly : These lines emphasize God’s majesty or greatness. Colon: Introduces an explanation Why is God so Majestic?

Line 12 & 13 Thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest: Meiosis: the number is presented less than it really is. order Travel at great speeds(across land and sea) – rush to do God’s will. elision

Line 14 They also serve who only stand and wait.” Allusion: James 5:11 “Wait with constant loyalty and faith.” Disabled persons are equally important – each person has a place in life. Everyone has a purpose.