Thursday, April 15, 2010

Central Idea of On His Blindness

This poem ‘On His Blindness’ is composed by John Milton. He was a famous poet of 17th century. He was the champion of library and called the Surdas of England. He wrote greatest epics ‘The Paradise Lost’ and ‘The Paradise regained’ in English literature.
On His Blindness an Italian sonnet expresses the poet’s shock due to his premature blindness. It consists in two parts. First part is octave and second part is sestet. In octave part, John Milton is complaining to God against injustice done to him. He was very sad as he became blind. He is sorry as he will not be able to serve God by writing poems. After thinking about the supremacy of God he says that He is the king of world. He does not need any man’s work. Thousand of angles are at His command. They are ready to carry out his order. The people who are satisfied with His desire and do not complain, are His true worshipers.
This poem is a fine example of Italian sonnet and the theme is serious and dignified. There is octave and sestet. Each rhymes abba, abba, cde, cde. There is Personification in the line “That murmur soon replies God doth not need.”
Poetic Beauty
1. This is personal sonnet of Milton.
2. The sonnet expresses the poet’s shock due to his premature blindness.
3. This sonnet is perfect example of Italian sonnet.
4. In the poem firstly he complains to God but later he accepts his will.
5. The language is simple, clear and lucid.
6. The poem is grand in style.
7. The theme of sonnet is serious and dignified.
8. This is beautiful imagery talking the Kingdom of God.
9. The rhyming scheme is abba, abba, cde, cde.