On His Blindness is an autobiographical poem | John Milton

On His Blindness is an autobiographical poem | John Milton

Discuss the autobiographical elements in Milton's poem, "On His Blindness"

John Milton's poem, "On His Blindness" is a fine example of autobiographical poem. The poem is filled with many autobiographical elements of John Milton.  Those autobiographical aspects reflect his personal struggles and philosophical reflections on his blindness.

Personal Struggle with Blindness

Unfortunately, Milton became completely blind at the age of 44. That great loss deeply affected him violently. In the poem, he regrets with feelings of despair and frustration. He repines over his inability to fulfill his desires with his creative power as a writer. For, he suffers much due to his blindness. This struggle is evident in various lines of the poem.  In this poem, he expresses his view about his inability to serve God as he once did.

Themes of Faith and Duty

Milton's strong Puritan faith plays a significant role in the poem. He contemplates the notion of serving God. He also mentions the purpose of his suffering being blind. The idea that one can serve God through patience and inner reflection resonates with Milton's own beliefs. This reflects his understanding of duty.  Continuously he repines with the question of how he can contribute to God's work despite his limitations.

The Role of Divine Grace

The poem conveys a sense of resignation to divine will. Milton expresses a belief that God does not require blind service. Rather, he admits that one can serve the God best with his firm belief and faith upon the God. That way is proper form of service to the God. This outlook shows that Milton has accepted his fate being a blind person. He acknowledges that his blindness is a part of a larger divine plan. In doing so he affirms his firm belief in God.

Artistic Legacy

Besides, Milton's reflections on his artistic identity and legacy are also autobiographical. He worries about being unable to write hymns in praise of God. He is also worried about his contribution to literature. All his endeavors show his own identity as a poet. The closing lines of the poem, where he learns that “They also serve who only stand and wait,” highlight his realization that waiting and enduring can be a form of service. Therefore, he defines his understanding of creativity and contribution.

Conclusion

In "On His Blindness," Milton knits his personal experiences with broader existential themes. As a sole devotee of the God he keeps firm faith upon Him. Though somewhat he repines for his blindness, still he believes that the God is all powerful, the Almighty. He never needs any human help or service. Finally, the poet, John Milton understands that there are so many ways to serve the God. And he pacifies his soul that one can serve his God with strong faith and calm patience. All these realizations are starkly revealed with Milton’s autobiographical traits. So the poem, “On His Blindness” is a good example of autobiographical poem.