On His Blindness by John Milton – Summary, Line by Line Explanation, Critical Analysis, and Figures of Speech

Introduction

“On His Blindness” by John Milton is one of the most powerful and heartfelt poems in English
literature. Written after the great poet lost his eyesight, this sonnet
captures his emotional struggle and ultimate realization that faith and
patience are forms of service to God.

In this poem, Milton reflects on his
blindness and wonders how he can continue serving God without his most valuable
gift — his poetic talent. Through a calm inner voice, he discovers that spiritual
acceptance and inner strength are as meaningful as active work.

If you’re studying this poem or
simply love classic literature, this article gives you everything you need to
know:

• A simple summary of “On His Blindness”
• A line-by-line explanation in plain English
• Critical analysis and themes
• Figures of speech and literary devices used by Milton

By the end, you’ll understand not
just what Milton wrote — but why his words still inspire millions around the
world.

Background
of ‘On His Blindness’ by John Milton

John Milton (1608–1674) was a
celebrated English poet, philosopher, and political writer. His most famous
work, Paradise Lost, is considered one of the greatest epics ever
written.

However, before completing that
masterpiece, Milton went completely blind around the age of 43. For a man whose
entire world revolved around reading and writing, losing his sight was
devastating.

He wrote “On His Blindness”
around 1655, as a personal reflection on how blindness affected his life
and faith. It’s not just a poem about losing sight — it’s about rediscovering
purpose through faith and patience.

Summary
of ‘On His Blindness’ – In Simple English

In “On His Blindness,” Milton
expresses his sadness and frustration after going blind. He worries that he can
no longer use his poetic talent — his gift from God. He fears that when God
judges him, He might be disappointed that Milton didn’t use his abilities.

But then, the voice of Patience
(personified as a calm inner spirit) speaks to him. Patience reminds Milton
that God doesn’t need constant action from humans. What matters more is obedience,
acceptance, and faith.

The poem ends with the line:

“They also serve who only stand and
wait.”

This means that even if one cannot
act or work, simply being faithful and patient is also a noble way to serve
God.

Text of the Poem

Explanation of ‘On His Blindness’ by John Milton

Lines
1–2

“When I consider how my light is
spent
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,”

Milton begins by reflecting on how
his “light” (his eyesight) has been spent or used up before even half of his
life is over. The “dark world and wide” refers to his blindness and the feeling
of being lost in a world he can no longer see.

Lines
3–4

“And that one talent which is death
to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent…”

He talks about his “talent,” which
refers to his poetic ability — a gift from God. He feels guilty that he can’t
use this gift anymore. The phrase “death to hide” alludes to the Biblical
Parable of the Talents, where hiding one’s gift leads to punishment.

Lines
5–6

“To serve therewith my Maker, and
present
My true account, lest He returning chide;”

Milton wants to serve God using his
talent, fearing that when God comes to judge him, He might scold him for
wasting it.

Lines
7–8

“Doth God exact day-labour, light
denied?
I fondly ask; but Patience, to prevent…”

He questions whether God expects him
to work even after taking away his light (his sight). But before he can
complain, Patience interrupts — symbolizing wisdom and faith taking over
doubt.

Lines
9–11

“‘God doth not need
Either man’s work or His own gifts; who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best.’”

Patience gently reminds Milton that God
doesn’t depend on human work or talents. The best service to God is
accepting His will with humility and grace — “bearing His mild yoke.”

Lines
12–14

“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.”

God’s rule is “kingly,” meaning He
has countless angels and servants doing His bidding all the time. But even
those who simply wait patiently are serving Him too.

This final line is the poem’s heart
— a comforting reminder that patience and faith are equal to action.

Critical
Analysis of ‘On His Blindness’

“On His Blindness” is both personal
and philosophical. It shows Milton’s transformation from frustration to faith,
and from doubt to acceptance.

The sonnet is a Petrarchan
(Italian) sonnet, made up of 14 lines:

• The octave (first 8 lines) expresses Milton’s
  worry and questions.
• The sestet (last 6 lines) provides the
  resolution — acceptance through Patience.

The volta (or turning point)
occurs in line 8, when Patience enters and changes Milton’s perspective.

Milton’s message is universal: we
all face limitations, but those limitations don’t make us useless. What matters
is our attitude — our willingness to trust in something greater.

Themes
in ‘On His Blindness’

Here are the main themes you can
highlight in essays or exams:

• Faith and Acceptance:
  True faith means accepting life’s challenges without complaint.
• Service to God:
  Service isn’t always physical work; it’s also about inner patience.
• Loss and Purpose:
  Even when we lose something precious, we can still find meaning.
• Spiritual Growth:
  The poem represents Milton’s personal journey from doubt to peace.

Figures Of Speech and Literary Devices in ‘On His Blindness’

1.
Metaphor

• “Light” = Milton’s eyesight and inner spiritual vision.
• “Talent” = His poetic ability, a gift from God.
• “Yoke” = The responsibilities or burdens of faith.

2.
Personification

• “Patience” is given human qualities, speaking to Milton
  like a wise teacher.

3.
Allusion

• Reference to the Parable of the Talents (Bible,
  Matthew 25:14–30), where servants are judged by how they use their gifts.

4.
Paradox

• “They also serve who only stand and wait” — a seeming
  contradiction that reveals deep truth.

5.
Imagery

• “Dark world and wide” vividly expresses the emotional
  and physical reality of blindness.

6.
Alliteration

• Sound repetition in phrases like “world and wide,” and
  “serve who stand,” adds rhythm and musicality.