Answer: d) Thomas Newton. Explanation: While John Milton, the author of the poem, did not give it a title, it was later titled “On His Blindness” by Thomas Newton, an editor and cleric, in the collection of Milton’s Poems in 1775. The title reflects the poem’s central theme of Milton’s contemplation of his blindness.
Answer: c) John Milton. Explanation: He was a renowned English poet and intellectual who lived in the 17th century. His works, including this sonnet, have had a significant influence on English literature. This particular poem reflects his personal experience with blindness and his contemplation of the human condition and faith.
Answer: c) The poet’s sight. Explanation: This metaphorical use of ‘light’ is a reference to John Milton’s own sight, which he lost later in life. The loss of this ‘light’ is a central theme in the poem. It symbolizes his inability to see and, by extension, his struggle to continue his work as a writer despite his blindness.
Answer: a) The poet’s ability to write. Explanation: This talent is a metaphor for John Milton’s own poetic skill, which he felt was being wasted due to his blindness. The term ‘talent’ in this context is a biblical allusion to the Parable of the Talents, where ‘talent’ refers to a God-given gift or skill. In the poem, Milton laments that his ‘one talent’ is ‘lodg’d with me useless’ due to his loss of sight. Despite his blindness, Milton continued to create influential works, demonstrating that his talent was far from useless.
Answer: b) Patience. Explanation: In the poem, when Milton questions whether God expects him to work despite his blindness, it is Patience who responds, reminding him that those who bear God’s mild yoke serve Him best and that they also serve those who only stand and wait. This personification of Patience serves to convey the poem’s themes of acceptance and faith.
Answer: a) God’s commandments. Explanation: The term ‘yoke’ is often used in a biblical context to refer to a burden or something that one is bound to. In this case, the ‘mild yoke’ refers to the gentle commandments or the will of God. Those who ‘bear his mild yoke’ are those who willingly accept and follow God’s will. The use of the word ‘mild’ suggests that these commandments are not harsh or burdensome, but are instead a source of comfort and guidance.
Answer: c) Faith and patience. Explanation: The poem explores John Milton’s personal struggle with his loss of sight and his unwavering faith in God. Despite his personal hardship, Milton finds solace in the belief that patience and submission to God’s will are also forms of faithful service. It’s a profound piece that explores these themes deeply.
Answer: b) Those who wait patiently also serve God. Explanation: This line underscores the theme of the poem, which is the acceptance of God’s will and the understanding that service to God is not only through grand deeds but also through patience and faith. It’s a powerful message that resonates with the poem’s exploration of personal struggle and faith.
Answer: c) Sonnet. Explanation: It is specifically known as a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, which is characterized by its structure of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the last six lines). The octave typically presents a problem or conflict, and the sestet offers a resolution or commentary. In this poem, John Milton uses this structure to express his personal struggle with blindness and his understanding of God’s will.
Answer: b) That he will not be able to serve God. Explanation: John Milton, the poet, expresses his concern about his ability to serve God after losing his sight. He fears that his blindness may prevent him from using his talent (poetic ability) to serve God, which is a central theme in the poem. However, by the end of the poem, he comes to understand that patience and acceptance of God’s will are also forms of service. This realization helps him overcome his fear.
11. What does the poet learn by the end of the poem?
a) That he can still write despite his blindness b) That patience and submission to God’s will are forms of service c) That his talent is useless without sight d) That God is unjust
Answer: b) That patience and submission to God’s will are forms of service. Explanation: Despite his initial despair over his blindness and his fear that he can no longer serve God, John Milton comes to understand that service to God is not only about active work or using one’s talents. Instead, he realizes that patiently accepting God’s will and waiting for His guidance are also valuable forms of service. This realization brings him comfort and acceptance of his situation.
Answer: c) The world as seen by the blind. Explanation: This metaphorical use of the ‘dark world’ is a reflection of John Milton’s own experience of blindness, symbolizing his loss of sight and the challenges he faced as a result. It’s a poignant expression of his personal struggle and forms a central theme in the poem.
a) If he will regain his sight b) If God expects him to work despite his blindness c) If he will be able to write again d) If he will be forgiven for his sins
Answer: b) If God expects him to work despite his blindness. Explanation: This question arises from John Milton’s concern about his ability to serve God after losing his sight. He wonders if God still expects him to use his talent (his ability to write) even though he can no longer see. This introspective questioning forms a key part of the poem’s exploration of faith, patience, and personal struggle.
Answer: b) God is all-powerful. Explanation: This phrase is used to describe the supreme power and authority of God. It suggests that God, like a king, has the ultimate control and command. It’s part of the poem’s exploration of faith and the human relationship with the divine.
14. What does ‘thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest’ mean in the poem?
a) Thousands of people are traveling b) Thousands of people are serving God c) Thousands of people are running errands d) Thousands of people are spreading God’s word
Answer: b) Thousands of people are serving God. Explanation: This line is used to illustrate the vast number of people who are in service to God, carrying out His will across the land and ocean tirelessly. It emphasizes the omnipotence of God and the widespread devotion to Him. It’s a powerful image that underscores the theme of faith and service to God in the poem.
Answer: c) Petrarchan Sonnet Explanation: “On His Blindness” is a Petrarchan Sonnet. This type of sonnet, popularized by the Italian priest Petrarch, is characterized by its structure of fourteen lines divided into an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines). The octave typically presents a problem or conflict, and the sestet resolves it or provides a response. The “turn” or shift in argument occurs between these two sections. In “On His Blindness,” the octave expresses Milton’s despair over his blindness and perceived inability to serve God, while the sestet offers a resolution and acceptance of his condition. Option d) “Miltonic Sonnet” is not the correct answer because “On His Blindness” does not follow the structure of a Miltonic sonnet. While John Milton did write sonnets that deviated from the traditional Petrarchan and Shakespearean forms, these are typically referred to as “Miltonic” sonnets. However, “On His Blindness” adheres to the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet, with an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines). The octave typically presents a problem or conflict, and the sestet resolves it or provides a response. Therefore, the poem is classified as a Petrarchan sonnet, not a Miltonic sonnet.
Answer: b) ABBA ABBA CDE CDE. Explanation: This is characteristic of a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, which is divided into an octave (the first eight lines) with the rhyme scheme ABBA ABBA, and a sestet (the last six lines) with various possible rhyme schemes, including CDE CDE. This structure allows for a shift in tone or focuses between the octave and the sestet, often referred to as the ‘volta’ or ‘turn’. In “On His Blindness,” John Milton uses this structure to explore his personal struggle with blindness and his understanding of God’s will.
Answer: b) Light as sight. Explanation: In the poem, John Milton refers to his ‘light’ being spent, which is a metaphorical way of expressing his loss of sight due to blindness. This metaphor is central to the poem’s exploration of Milton’s personal struggle with blindness and his contemplation of faith and service to God.
Answer: c) Personification. Explanation: In this line, John Milton personifies God by attributing to Him the human action of exacting day-labor. This use of personification helps to express the poet’s contemplation of his duty to God despite his loss of sight.
Answer: a) Metaphor. Explanation: The term ‘yoke’ is often used in a biblical context to refer to a burden or something that one is bound to. In this case, the ‘mild yoke’ refers to the gentle commandments or the will of God. Those who ‘bear his mild yoke’ are those who willingly accept and follow God’s will. The use of the word ‘mild’ suggests that these commandments are not harsh or burdensome, but are instead a source of comfort and guidance.
Answer: d) Paradox. Explanation: This line seems to contradict itself as standing and waiting are typically seen as passive actions, not forms of service. However, in the context of the poem, this line suggests that patience and acceptance of God’s will are also forms of service to God, thus creating a paradox.
Answer: c) Personification. Explanation: In the poem, John Milton personifies ‘Patience’ as a character who responds to his questions and concerns about his blindness and inability to serve God. This is a common literary device where human characteristics are attributed to non-human entities. In this case, the abstract concept of patience is given the ability to speak and provide comfort. This personification serves to externalize the internal struggle and dialogue that Milton is experiencing.
Answer: b) Hyperbole. Explanation: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. In this line, the phrase ‘thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest’ is an exaggeration used to emphasize the vastness of God’s power and the extent of his command. It suggests that countless beings (possibly angels) are constantly at work carrying out God’s will across the land and sea. This hyperbolic expression serves to highlight the omnipresence and omnipotence of God. It also underscores the theme of dutiful service to God that is central to the poem.
Answer: a) Metaphor. Explanation: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things. In this case, Milton is comparing the world to darkness. This ‘dark world’ metaphor could be interpreted as a reference to his blindness, where the world is ‘dark’ because he cannot see. It could also symbolize the spiritual darkness or confusion he feels as he grapples with his faith and his understanding of God’s will. This metaphor serves to convey Milton’s personal experience and emotional state, enhancing the depth and complexity of the poem.
Answer: d) Irony. Explanation: Irony is a figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of what is stated, often implying a form of humor or sarcasm. In this line, the irony lies in the fact that God, being the creator of all, does not need the work or gifts of his creations. This is contrary to the common belief that humans serve God through their deeds and offerings. This ironic statement serves to emphasize the theme of the poem, which is that true service to God comes not from our actions, but from our patience and acceptance of His will.
Answer: a) Metaphor. Explanation: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things. In this case, Milton’s ‘one talent’ is a metaphor for his ability to write poetry. This ‘one talent’ is not just a skill, but a gift that he believes has been bestowed upon him by God. By referring to his poetic ability as a ‘talent’, Milton underscores the value and importance of this gift, while also highlighting his responsibility to use it wisely. The metaphor serves to convey the deep personal and spiritual significance that Milton attaches to his poetic craft.
Answer: a) Paradise Lost. Explanation: It is widely regarded as the greatest epic poem in English. Originally composed as a drama in ten books with Satan in the central role of a tragic hero, Paradise Lost features a large multitude of resplendent characters including angels, demons, God, the Son, and the benevolent mother and father of mankind, Adam and Eve. Together with Paradise Regained, it confirms Milton’s reputation as one of the greatest English poets.
Answer: c) The Prose Works of John Milton. Explanation: This collection includes his historical, political, and miscellaneous works, both in English and Latin. Some of these works had never been published before this collection. The collection provides a historical and critical account of the life and writings of the author. It contains several original papers of his, never before published. This collection is a valuable resource for understanding Milton’s political thought and his influence on political history.
29. What does the title “On His Blindness” signify in John Milton’s poem?
a) It signifies the poet’s physical blindness and its impact on his life. b) It signifies the poet’s metaphorical blindness to the world around him. c) It signifies the poet’s inability to understand complex philosophical concepts. d) It signifies the poet’s lack of foresight in his personal decisions.
Answer: a) It signifies the poet’s physical blindness and its impact on his life. Explanation: The title “On His Blindness” directly refers to the poet John Milton’s personal experience of going blind later in life. It sets the theme of the poem, which is Milton’s reflection on his blindness and how it affects his ability to serve God. The title introduces the reader to the personal and introspective nature of the poem, signifying Milton’s acceptance of his condition and his understanding that serving God isn’t limited to grand deeds.
Answer: b) Regretful. Explanation: The poem begins with a tone of despair and introspection as Milton laments his loss of sight and his inability to continue his work. He expresses regret and sadness over his perceived inability to serve God due to his blindness. However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts from despair to contemplation and acceptance. Despite the initial regret, the poem ultimately conveys a message of hope and faith. So, while the poem encompasses a range of emotions, regret is a prominent tone, especially in the early part of the poem.
Answer: c) 1652. Explanation: John Milton, the renowned English poet, began experiencing vision problems in his early 30s, and his sight gradually deteriorated over the years. By March or April of 1652, at the age of 43, he had lost his sight completely.
Answer: d) 1673 Explanation: “On His Blindness,” also known as “When I Consider How My Light is Spent,” is one of the best-known sonnets of John Milton. The poem, which explores the implications of Milton’s blindness on his religious obligations, was written sometime between 1652 and 1655. However, it was first published later, in the year 1673.
Answer: c) Job. Explanation: In John Milton’s poem “On His Blindness,” Milton does not explicitly compare himself to a specific biblical figure. However, the themes and tone of the poem align most closely with the story of Job. Like Job, Milton grapples with his suffering and seeks to understand his purpose and service to God despite his affliction.
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