Discuss with close textual reference how patience consoles the blind poet in
“On His Blindness”
The poet loses his sight at an early and productive age .Milton believes that God has given him the talent of poetic composition, and in his absence, Milton ought to make use of that talent to produce great works of art. However, the prospect of impending blindness has shaken Milton’s confidence. He feels he shall never be able to write again. He feels guilt and believes that if he does not put his God-given talent to use, then he will be punished with death. However, God is merciful and He has a master plan for everyone on this earth. Whatever He does, He does it for a reason. Even though Milton does not understand why God has taken away his vision, he must be patient and he must learn to accept what is given him with dignity and grace. Suddenly he realizes his own foolishness to suspect God. God does not require the service of man nor does He take back the gift, one bestowed by Him on man. He is almighty and supreme. It is therefore a folly on his part to think that God requires his services.
Milton continues on, invoking the personification of Patience in the next line. Patience appears as a pacifying force to “prevent that murmur” in which the speaker would question God (as described above). Patience replies to the speaker’s internal question, and the remainder of the poem is that response. Patience explains that God does not need special gifts or works from man, such as Milton’s writings, but loves best those who “Bear his mild yoke.” This complicated phrase references a “yoke,” or a wooden frame, that used to be placed around the neck and shoulders of plowing animals. This would allow the animals to be directed around the field. Essentially, those who give over their life to God and accept that he is in control of their fate are loved best. That is what God requires, not “gifts” or “work.” Patience explains that God does not need special gifts or works from man, such as Milton’s writings, but loves best those who “Bear his mild yoke.” This complicated phrase references a “yoke,” or a wooden frame, that used to be placed around the neck and shoulders of plowing animals. This would allow the animals to be directed around the field. Essentially, those who give over their life to God and accept that he is in control of their fate are loved best. That is what God requires, not “gifts” or “work.” 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. God only requires that people serve God by waiting or being patient.
Finally the poet concludes that even if he is blind and unable to do any service to Him, he should only remain loyal to Him. It must be remembered that even silent attendance is also a kind of service to Him.
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The poet loses his sight at an early and productive age .Milton believes that God has given him the talent of poetic composition, and in his absence, Milton ought to make use of that talent to produce great works of art. However, the prospect of impending blindness has shaken Milton’s confidence. He feels he shall never be able to write again. He feels guilt and believes that if he does not put his God-given talent to use, then he will be punished with death. However, God is merciful and He has a master plan for everyone on this earth. Whatever He does, He does it for a reason. Even though Milton does not understand why God has taken away his vision, he must be patient and he must learn to accept what is given him with dignity and grace. Suddenly he realizes his own foolishness to suspect God. God does not require the service of man nor does He take back the gift, one bestowed by Him on man. He is almighty and supreme. It is therefore a folly on his part to think that God requires his services.
Milton continues on, invoking the personification of Patience in the next line. Patience appears as a pacifying force to “prevent that murmur” in which the speaker would question God (as described above). Patience replies to the speaker’s internal question, and the remainder of the poem is that response. Patience explains that God does not need special gifts or works from man, such as Milton’s writings, but loves best those who “Bear his mild yoke.” This complicated phrase references a “yoke,” or a wooden frame, that used to be placed around the neck and shoulders of plowing animals. This would allow the animals to be directed around the field. Essentially, those who give over their life to God and accept that he is in control of their fate are loved best. That is what God requires, not “gifts” or “work.” Patience explains that God does not need special gifts or works from man, such as Milton’s writings, but loves best those who “Bear his mild yoke.” This complicated phrase references a “yoke,” or a wooden frame, that used to be placed around the neck and shoulders of plowing animals. This would allow the animals to be directed around the field. Essentially, those who give over their life to God and accept that he is in control of their fate are loved best. That is what God requires, not “gifts” or “work.” 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. God only requires that people serve God by waiting or being patient.
Finally the poet concludes that even if he is blind and unable to do any service to Him, he should only remain loyal to Him. It must be remembered that even silent attendance is also a kind of service to Him.
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******************************************************
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