On His Blindness by John Milton Essay Example

also called the Petrarchan sonnet, features an octave and a sestet, with a carefully constructed thought pattern and follows the rhyme scheme abba, abba, cde, cde (or cd, cd, cd).

The English sonnet, also known as the Shakespearean sonnet, is a popular form of poetry characterized by 14 lines divided into three quatrains and a couplet. According to Clugston (2010), it follows a specific rhyme scheme of abab, cdce, efef, gg. This form allows poets to share their experiences and connect with readers' thoughts and imagination. In "On His Blindness," the first eight lines are referred to as the octave (Clugston, 2010). The website http://www.poetryfoundation.org/learning/search-glossary-terms?q=octave defines an octave as an eight-line stanza or poem.

According to the Poetry Foundation (2011), the first eight lines of an Italian or Petrarchan sonnet, also known as the octave, present the theme of blindness and its impact on work. It is noted that all eight lines in the octave follow a specific rhyme scheme. The author of our text also explains that the remaining six lines are referred to as the sestet. The Poetry Foundation (2011) defines a sestet as a six-line stanza or the final six lines of a 14-line Italian or Petrarchan sonnet.

According to Clugston (2010), the sestet of the Italian Sonnet also provides a resolution, suggesting that humble service in the eyes of God may be enough. Clugston (2010) explains in Table 11.1 that "On His Blindness" follows a pattern of ten syllables per line, with an unemphasized syllable followed by an emphasized one. This pattern, known as iambic pentameter, consists of five feet per line. The poet's tone appears to be passive and

calm.

The initial eight lines of the poem present a disturbing matter regarding blindness, giving off feelings of confusion and frustration. Despite the sad and confused mood conveyed by the poem, there is no contradiction between the author's feelings and message. As the poem progresses, the author comes to terms with being blind and maintains their faith in God. This realization and acceptance of oneself create a tone of understanding rather than anger.

The poem's content focuses on a true life experience, making it engaging. As the author expresses frustration about being blind but accepting their fate, their strength is truly remarkable. Additionally, the poet skillfully employs unconventional language to create a distinct and imaginative effect throughout the poem. The use of diverse vocabularies and a lack of understanding poems initially made it challenging to comprehend the poem.

However, through dissection and research, a clearer understanding of the poem emerged. The format, tone, and content of the poem have given me a better comprehension of life's struggles. Although we often face obstacles and problems, this poem demonstrates that we can overcome them. Emotionally, I felt deeply connected to the author's message. In general, the poem instills hope and reminds me that things are not always as dire as they appear.

In conclusion, there are various unique forms, different tones, and contents of poetry that contribute to clarity, variety, and purpose in poetic expression. Clugston (2010) states that this includes narrative, lyric, and dramatic genres, each with its own examples of unique poetic forms. Identifying the form of a poem is crucial for gaining a complete understanding and insight into its

meaning. Furthermore, it offers essential clues about the poet's intentions.