John Milton’s Reflection on Blindness in Sonnets 19 and 23
John Milton, one of the greatest poets in English literature, wrote several deeply personal sonnets, among which Sonnet 19 (“When I consider how my light is spent”) and Sonnet 23 (“Methought I saw my late espoused saint”) stand out for their introspective and emotional depth. Both poems reveal Milton’s struggle with his physical blindness and the emotional toll it exacted on his creative and spiritual life. Through a close reading of these two sonnets, it becomes evident that Milton indeed reflects profoundly on his blindness, albeit in different ways.
Sonnet 19: “When I consider how my light is spent”
Overview and Context
Sonnet 19, also known by its opening line, was written after Milton became completely blind. In this poem, he contemplates the impact of his blindness on his ability to serve God, especially through his poetic and scholarly work. The phrase “my light is spent” is a metaphor for his lost vision, and it sets the tone for a spiritual and emotional conflict.
Expression of Frustration and Faith
Milton questions the purpose of his existence without the ability to use his talents. He wonders whether God expects labor from someone who is “light denied.” The poem’s central concern is spiritual usefulness: if he cannot write or work as before, is his service to God still valid?
However, the poem concludes with an expression of deep faith: “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This powerful closing line resolves the conflict by accepting divine will. It shows that Milton comes to terms with his blindness as part of a larger spiritual plan, thus displaying resilience and humility.
Sonnet 23: “Methought I saw my late espoused saint”
Overview and Emotional Tone
In contrast, Sonnet 23 takes on a more emotional and intimate tone. It recounts a dream in which Milton sees his deceased wife, who died in childbirth. The vision is vivid and full of longing, made even more poignant by the fact that he is blind and can only see her in his dreams.
Poignancy of Vision and Loss
The line “her face was veiled” is particularly symbolic. It reflects not only the traditional bridal imagery but also the fact that Milton, due to his blindness, cannot see her face clearly. The poem captures the agony of double loss—both the physical loss of his wife and the sensory loss of sight. When the vision vanishes at the end of the sonnet, the reader is left with a sense of intense sorrow and emotional deprivation.
Thematic Comparison and Analysis
- Blindness as Limitation vs. Blindness as Transcendence: In Sonnet 19, blindness is initially perceived as a limitation but ultimately becomes a path to spiritual insight and submission to divine will. In Sonnet 23, blindness symbolizes emotional deprivation and deepens the poet’s grief.
- Public vs. Personal Response: Sonnet 19 is more philosophical and focused on Milton’s role in the divine order. Sonnet 23 is personal and emotional, expressing longing and love through the metaphor of sight and vision.
- Acceptance vs. Despair: While Sonnet 19 ends on a note of acceptance and faith, Sonnet 23 closes with sorrow and the tragic realization that even in dreams, his loss is inescapable.
Use of Poetic Devices
Milton employs a range of literary devices in both sonnets to enhance the expression of his inner turmoil:
- Metaphor: “Light” for vision, “yoke” for responsibility, “veil” for emotional distance and blindness.
- Personification: Patience is personified in Sonnet 19, delivering divine wisdom.
- Dream Vision: In Sonnet 23, the dream motif blurs the line between reality and imagination, intensifying the emotional effect.
Conclusion
Both Sonnets 19 and 23 are deeply reflective pieces where Milton confronts his blindness not only as a physical condition but also as a spiritual and emotional trial. In Sonnet 19, he finds solace and purpose through faith, while in Sonnet 23, he portrays the irreparable loss and yearning intensified by blindness. Together, these poems offer a profound insight into Milton’s inner world and affirm that his blindness did not diminish his poetic vision—instead, it deepened it, allowing him to explore the human soul with even greater clarity.