John Milton was a 17th century English poet and writer who is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost." However, Milton is also notable for his personal struggle with blindness, which he wrote about in various works throughout his career.
In 1652, at the age of 43, Milton became completely blind. This was a significant blow for someone who had dedicated his life to writing and literature. However, Milton did not let his blindness hinder him. Instead, he continued to write and even dictated his later works to a secretary.
In his sonnet "On His Blindness," Milton reflects on the loss of his sight and its impact on his ability to fulfill his calling as a writer. He writes, "When I consider how my light is spent/Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,/And that one talent which is death to hide/Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent/To serve therewith my Maker, and present/My true account, lest He returning chide;/'Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?'/I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent/That murmur, soon replies, 'God doth not need/Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best/Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. 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.'"
In this sonnet, Milton grapples with the idea that his blindness has hindered his ability to serve God and fulfill his calling as a writer. He wonders if God requires "day-labour" from him, or if his "talent" has been "lodged with [him] useless." However, he ultimately finds solace in the idea that "they also serve who only stand and wait," suggesting that even though he may not be able to physically write, he can still serve God through his patience and faith.
Milton's blindness is also a recurring theme in "Paradise Lost." In the poem, Satan is described as being "darkened" and "deprived of light," which can be seen as a metaphor for Milton's own struggle with blindness. Similarly, the character of Adam also experiences a loss of sight when he eats the forbidden fruit, symbolizing the fall of man and the loss of innocence.
Overall, John Milton's blindness was a significant challenge in his life, but it did not prevent him from writing and creating some of the most famous works of literature in the English language. His sonnets and poems serve as a testament to his perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
