When Did Milton Write On His Blindness?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

It is always assumed that the poem was written after the publication of Milton's 1645 Poems. It may have been written as early as 1652, although most scholars believe that it was composed

sometime between June and October 1655

, when Milton's blindness was essentially complete.

Was John Milton blind when he wrote on his blindness?

In February of 1652, the English poet

John Milton went completely blind

. Many great artists have suffered blindness, but the twist in Milton's case is that he went blind before he wrote his best works, including the immortal epic poem Paradise Lost.

At what age Milton become blind?

The year 1652 was not a good one for Milton. By March or April, at the age of

43 years

, he was completely blind in both eyes; in May, his wife died 3 days after giving birth to their fourth child; and 6 weeks later, his third child and only son, John, also died.

How does John Milton reconcile himself to his blindness?

After losing his eyesight, John Milton wrote On His Blindness, which is an autobiographical account of his feelings and position now that his sight has gone. He opens the poem with a reflection on having lost his sight quite young and therefore certainly before reaching his desired level of achievement.

What is the point of On His Blindness?

“On His Blindness” refers to

the struggles John Milton had after he lost his sight

. The speaker of the poem feels he's lost his purpose, that he cannot work as well for God anymore, and he asks God for guidance as to what he should do.

What is troubling Milton On His Blindness?

“On His Blindness” refers to

the struggles John Milton had after he lost his sight

. The speaker of the poem feels he's lost his purpose, that he cannot work as well for God anymore, and he asks God for guidance as to what he should do.

Who stopped Milton from complaining against God?

He still is intent on serving God through his talents.

Patience

stops his murmur, or his complaint that he can no longer work; in other words, if he considers the question patiently, he realizes that God does not require people to work.

What does the speaker see just once?

In “On His Blindness”, what does the speaker long to see just once?

The beauty on the earth he is missing

(i.e. moonlight, flowers, sunrises, sunsets, and other sights brought by the elements.)

What is the spiritual light in on his blindness?

Line 1. The poet considers how his “light” is used up or wasted or put forth in the world; in a poem on blindness, “light” can most easily be interpreted as his ability to see. But for this deeply religious poet it may also mean

an inner light or spiritual capacity

.

How does Milton regret the loss of his sight?

How does Milton regret the loss of his ‘light'? Ans.:

Milton had become completely blind in the middle of his life. God had given him one precious talent, the talent of writing

. But this talent is now lying useless with him.

Why is the poet unhappy with God in on his blindness?

Why is the poet unhappy with God in on his blindness? …

The speaker is initially unhappy with God for making him blind

; he thinks this means he'll no longer be able to serve him.

Why does the lady see only shadows of the world?

B: Why does the lady glimpse only “shadows of the world”?

Because she is looking through the mirror

.

What does the ending of the Raven mean?

As the poem draws to its end, the speaker is emotionally exhausted and faced with the dreadful knowledge that

the raven “still is sitting” in his chamber

– that there will be no escape from his torment and grief over the loss of Lenore.

What does it mean when the speaker says can you open the door?

What do you think does the speaker mean when he/she says, “Can you open the door

?' The speaker wants to know if I have the ability to open the door. The speaker is requesting me to open the door. The speaker does not make sense

.

Who serves God best according to Milton?

According to Milton in “On His Blindness

Why is the poet so unhappy with God?

Why is the poet unhappy with God in on his blindness

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.