Sonnet XIX: On His Blindness Flashcards
What does the pronoun ‘I’ establish in the poem?
The pronoun ‘I’ establishes a personal deixis, anchoring the speaker’s perspective in the first person.
What is the metaphorical significance of ‘light’ in the poem?
‘Light’ is a conceptual metaphor representing vision, knowledge, or enlightenment, linked to the speaker’s loss of sight.
How does the phonology contribute to the poem’s tone?
The alliterative /l/ sound in ‘light’ and ‘spent’ creates a soft, melancholy tone, contributing to the sense of fragility.
What connotation does the word ‘spent’ carry?
The word ‘spent’ connotes exhaustion or depletion, suggesting the speaker’s vision has been used up.
What does ‘Ere’ indicate in the second line?
‘Ere’ situates the event in time, anchoring the speaker’s reflection in the past.
What is the significance of ‘half my days’?
‘Half my days’ introduces a chronotope, revealing the speaker’s youthful sense of loss.
What does the antithesis of ‘dark’ and ‘wide’ emphasize?
The opposition emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the speaker’s blindness.
How does syntax affect the meaning of ‘in this dark world and wide’?
The inversion creates emphasis on the concept of space, heightening the sense of the vast world becoming oppressive.
What does ‘talent’ symbolize in the poem?
‘Talent’ reflects a traditional Christian semantic field of stewardship and divine responsibility.
What does ‘death to hide’ suggest?
‘Death to hide’ suggests that failure to use one’s gifts equates to a form of spiritual death.
What is the significance of ‘Lodged with me useless’?
‘Lodged with me’ personifies the talent as imprisoned within the speaker, suggesting untapped potential.
What does the verb ‘Lodged’ imply about the speaker’s condition?
The past participle ‘Lodged’ suggests a state of inactivity and stagnation.
What does ‘serve’ imply in the context of the poem?
‘Serve’ invokes theological connotations of duty to God.
What does ‘true account’ refer to?
‘True account’ invokes the semantic field of reckoning and judgment.
What does the pronoun ‘he’ refer to in the poem?
The pronoun ‘he’ refers to God.
What rhetorical device is used in ‘Doth God exact day-labour, light denied’?
The line uses a rhetorical question to express doubt or confusion.
What does the juxtaposition of ‘day-labour’ and ‘light denied’ imply?
It implies the incapacity to engage in productive activity due to blindness.
What does the phrase ‘I fondly ask’ indicate?
‘Fondly’ signals the speaker’s vulnerability or naivety.
What does ‘That murmur, soon replies’ signify?
It signals a performative utterance where Patience responds to the speaker’s doubts.
What does ‘Either man’s work or his own gifts’ suggest?
It emphasizes the equivalency between human action and divine endowment.
What does ‘mild yoke’ metaphorically represent?
‘Mild yoke’ suggests that service to God is not one of overwhelming hardship.
What paradox is presented in ‘They also serve who only stand and wait’?
It suggests that inactivity can be a form of service.
What historical period was Sonnet XIX written in?
Sonnet XIX was written during the reign of James I (1603–1625), a period marked by political complexity, religious conflict, and tensions between monarchy and parliament.
What was the political climate during James I’s reign?
The early 17th century was a time of relative political stability, but there was increasing pressure from Puritans and Catholic recusants.
What is the main focus of Sonnet XIX?
Sonnet XIX is more focused on personal struggle and the idea of divine service rather than political power or monarchy.
How does the speaker’s blindness relate to the theme of divine service?
The speaker’s reflections on blindness suggest a broader commentary on loyalty and submission to divine authority rather than political authority.
What economic context influenced Shakespeare’s work?
The Elizabethan and early Stuart periods saw economic growth but significant inequality, with theatrical patronage being economically driven.
How does blindness serve as a metaphor in Sonnet XIX?
Blindness can be seen as a metaphor for the poet’s frustration with a loss of agency or ability to contribute creatively.
What religious conflicts were present during the early 17th century?
There were deep divisions between Catholics and Protestants, affecting society significantly.
How does Sonnet XIX reflect Christian notions?
The metaphor of being ‘to serve’ in a divine capacity relates to suffering and redemption, echoing traditional Christian doctrines.
What role does divine providence play in Sonnet XIX?
The speaker wonders if blindness has rendered him incapable of fulfilling his purpose but is reassured that God values intent over physical ability.
What social hierarchy characterized Shakespeare’s era?
Shakespeare’s era had a rigid social hierarchy, with nobility and clergy holding power while lower classes had little social mobility.
What personal struggle does Shakespeare express in Sonnet XIX?
Shakespeare expresses a deep personal struggle with the fear of losing the ability to contribute creatively due to blindness.
What is the structure of Sonnet XIX?
Sonnet XIX follows the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme and is written in iambic pentameter.
What philosophical themes are explored in Sonnet XIX?
The sonnet reflects on personal growth, emotional struggles, and the Christian concept of surrender to God’s will.
How does Sonnet XIX relate to the broader literary tradition?
The poem is part of the broader literary tradition of sonnet writing during the Renaissance, influenced by poets like Petrarch and Sidney.
