Question: How does Milton find consolation at the end of the poem?
Introduction
John Milton (1608-1674) is called an epic poet. ”On His Blindness” written in the 1650s is a religious poem. This is the first time his readers have been known that he is blind. This is an autobiographical sonnet poem. At the end of the poem, he consoles himself for this situation.
The way of Milton’s consolation
John Milton composes the sonnet ”On His Blindness” in the form of Italian style. In the octave, he complains to God that why he has been blind. In the sestet, he consoles himself for that.
He says that God has given him a talent that is a poetic genius. But in half of his lifetime, he has been blind. He cannot compose poem satisfactorily. The poet asks that does God expect him to write noble poetry when He has made him blind. Inline 8 and 9 the soul of patience answers him soon. which are called lines of consolation. The poet says:
”I fondly ask; but Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work, or his own gifts.”
In the last part, he consoles that God has Thousands of angels who are always ready to worship. God need not a man’s work for Him.
More Notes of Poetry
Conclusion
Thus, Milton consoles himself at the end of the poem. Overall, this is one of the fantastic religious poems in English literature.