BSEB Class 9 English Poem 2 On His Blindness Important Question Answers from English Panorama-I Book
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BSEB Class 9 English Poem 2 On His Blindness Textbook Questions
A. Work in small groups and discuss these questions:
1. How is a visually challenged person socially recognised?
Ans. A visually challenged person is socially recognised by their deeds rather than physical fitness or appearance. Achievements and actions define a person’s worth, regardless of visual impairments. Society values contributions and character over bodily perfection, as emphasised in John Milton’s “On His Blindness”. Physical limitations do not diminish one’s humanity or social standing when deeds shine.
2. Discuss the modes and manners of a man who is unable to see the world.
Ans. A blind man navigates life by dependence on hearing, touch, smell, and spatial memory, adapting with poise to maintain independence and dignity. He often tilts his head to listen intently or moves hesitantly near walls to get a feel of his surroundings, using a cane or guide dog to probe his surroundings safely. Memory and organisation become primary modes, like arranging items tactilely in fixed spots to get them, then next time without sight. Verbal cues guide his interactions, as he announces his needs clearly and relies on precise directions like “turn left five steps”. In conversations, he speaks directly, identifies himself first, and expects handshakes if offered. He avoids shouting or vague references, using normal words like “see” comfortably while appreciating descriptive speech from others. Socially, he announces departures to prevent awkwardness and integrates tech like audio devices or voice assistants. Tools like Braille help them on the way.
3. Point out the feelings and emotions of a man who has lost his/her eyesight.
Ans. A man losing his eyesight goes through intense grief-like emotions, starting with shock and denial. Fear and anxiety surge first upon diagnosis. A person worries about irreversible blindness and daily struggles like mobility or reading, which further trigger panic. Denial delays acceptance, with patients clinging to hopes of recovery. Sadness, self-pity, and depression follow, leading to low mood, worthlessness, and isolation. Frustration and helplessness build dependence on others, eroding self-esteem even in routine tasks. Frustration may lead to bitterness and angry outbursts. A vicious cycle of sadness, helplessness, and anger ensues until acceptance.
B. Answer the following questions briefly:
1. What is meant by ‘my light is spent’?
Ans. The line ‘my light is spent’ means that the poet lost his eyesight at an early age.
2. Why is the world ‘dark and wide’ to the poet?
Ans. The world is dark and wide to the poet because of his blindness. The world is also a wide place that has a lot of negativity and gloominess.
3. Who is the ‘Maker’ in this sonnet?
Ans. God is the ‘Maker’ in this sonnet.
4. Is God a hard taskmaster?
Ans. Yes, God demands hard work regardless of the challenges.
5. Does God require His appreciation?
Ans. Yes, God require His appreciation from those who wish to serve him.
6. Is Milton afraid of the Almighty?
Ans. Yes, Milton is afraid of the Almighty’s anger and disappointment.
7. Discuss the meaning of the closing line, “They also serve who only stand
and wait.”
Ans. According to the poet, those who don’t work but stand and wait for him faithfully are also serving him.
C.1. LONG ANSWER QUESTION
1. Discuss the poet’s feelings and emotions.
Ans. The poet shows a wide spectrum of emotions. In the poem, we learn that he feels extremely sad because of his blindness. He describes losing his eyesight as suddenly seeing no light in the world. Another emotion the poet feels is uselessness. He is a poet, which requires eyesight to write words on paper properly. After losing his vision, he could not use his talent as before, which made him feel frustrated and helpless. He feels angry and a sense of unfairness because God expected him to work hard even though he had taken his eyesight away. He also feels afraid of disappointing God by not working hard due to his blindness. He thinks that blindness is not a valid excuse for not working and that he will be punished for letting his impairment interfere with his tasks. Therefore, we see a willingness to work but also feelings of depression and stress at the challenges ahead.
2. Why is the poet sad? What has happened to him?
Ans. The poet is sad because he has lost his eyesight. His only talent is to write poetry, which is challenging after losing his vision. He feels disappointed that he is failing his “Maker” by not working as hard anymore.
3. Why does the poet fear from God in this poem?
Ans. The poet shows great reverence towards God. He fears angering and disappointing God. He believes that God rewards those who work hard throughout their lives, regardless of their challenges and hardships. Therefore, he is afraid that God will be dissatisfied with him.
4. Which do you think is superior – insight or eye-sight?
Ans. Insight is superior. While eyesight is important as well, having insight is more advantageous. Insight provides wisdom, knowledge, practicality, and a profound way of looking at the world. Insight gives a person the ability to perceive the world with a stronger, more magnified lens. Even if a person has eyesight, having no insight will hinder him from happiness and success.
5. How does the poet get consolation?
Ans. The poet is fraught because he is unable to work and fulfil the demands of God. He feels frustrated because of his eyesight and wishes to be as capable as he was when he used to have perfect vision. He fears that he will anger God by not working hard anymore. He is then consoled by Patience, who tells him that God rewards those who serve him by waiting for him faithfully as well.
6. Who answered his question?
Ans. The poet had lost his eyesight and was unable to write poems and work hard. He asked God how he expected him to work hard when he had taken his ability to see. Patience answered his question with a consoling prospect. Patience said that God rewarded those who served him by waiting faithfully for him.
7. Is God absolutely merciful? Is he a King of kings?
Ans. Yes, God is absolutely merciful. His power and merciful nature make God the King of kings. God shows mercy on those who cannot work hard every day by seeing their devotion and faithfulness to him. He understands human beings, like how a king understands his subjects. God takes pity on his devoted followers, like how a king empathises with his subjects and helps them.
8. Will God forgive the poet?
Ans. Yes, God will forgive the poet. God does not demand just hard work but complete and humble submission. If the poet waits for God faithfully, God will forgive the poet. God will observe the poet’s devotion and duty. Even though the poet cannot do his work anymore because of his blindness, he is still just as worshipful of the Almighty.
9. Do you think that God needs only humble submission? Give arguments.
Ans. Yes, God needs only humble submission. God does not demand rigorous labour from us.
10. What lesson do you learn from the poem?
Ans. Milton’s “On His Blindness” teaches patient submission to God’s will while facing personal hardship. True service to God lies in bearing life’s hurdles and burdens with faith and endurance. The poem shows initial frustration over wasted gifts, turning to acceptance of a changed lifestyle, and realising God demands no forced labour from the disabled. It urges finding peace by yielding to fate rather than resisting change and mourning loss.
C.2. GROUP DISCUSSION
Discuss the following in groups or pairs
1. The value of eyes in life
Ans. Eyes hold immense value in life as our primary window to the world, enabling perception, connection, and independence. Eyes take in visual data and transmit it to the brain for instant environmental awareness, like reading faces and spotting dangers. Without them, we are unable to do various things, like exhibiting quick reactions and enjoying paintings. They express unspoken feelings. Eye contact builds trust during conversations. Vision supports practical tasks: driving, cooking, learning, and working, preserving autonomy and productivity across ages. Loss disrupts routines and hinders growth in all domains: personal, social, and economic.
2. Loss of vision leads to suffering and problems in life.
Ans. Loss of vision leads to profound suffering. Basic tasks like reading, cooking, or navigating spaces become challenging, fostering dependence on others and restricting mobility. This leads to higher fall risks, injuries, and challenges in self-care or employment. Depression and anxiety rise with visual impairment, alongside lowered life satisfaction. Isolation creeps in from reduced social engagement. Quality of life drops across physical, social, and economic domains, resulting in early retirement or care home entry for many.
C.3. COMPOSITION
1. Write a letter to your friend describing a boy from your village who has lost his eyesight before his examination.
Ans. [Your address]
Dear [Friend’s name],
I hope this letter finds you well amidst your busy studies in Delhi. I am writing to share a heartbreaking incident from our village that has left everyone deeply moved.
A few weeks ago, young Amit from our neighbourhood suddenly lost his eyesight due to a severe infection that doctors couldn’t treat in time. Amit is a bright Class 10 boy who dreamed of topping the board exams. He was just preparing for his crucial pre-board tests when his vision blurred completely. Now, with exams approaching, he sits quietly at home, unable to read his textbooks and navigate his own room. His family is shattered, rushing him to city hospitals, but recovery seems uncertain.
Despite this tragedy, Amit shows remarkable courage, relying on his sharp memory to revise lessons aloud. We villagers are pooling resources for Braille aids and special coaching, hoping he can still appear for exams. It reminds us how precious eyesight is and how loss brings immense suffering, yet inner strength shines through.
Please write back soon with your thoughts. Take care.
Your friend,
[Your Name]
2. Milton was physically challenged but mentally agile.
Ans. John Milton faced total blindness in his mid-40s, a severe physical challenge that ended his ability to read or write independently. Milton’s intellect thrived because he had memorised vast passages overnight, debated politics sharply, and produced his epic through sheer memory and verbal precision. This agility turned disability into triumph, channelling inner vision into profound theological and poetic output. With his intellect and insight, he composed L’Allegro and IL Penseroso in 1632, Comus in 1634, Lycidas in 1637, and poems like Paradise Lost in 1667.
D. WORD STUDY
D. 1. Dictionary Use
Correct the spelling of the following words
| sonet | yoak | feer |
| lossen | waitt | educaton |
Ans.
| sonnet | yoke | feel |
| loosen | wait | education |
D. 2. Word Meaning
Ex. 1. Match the words given under the column ‘A’ with their meanings given under the column ‘B’
| A | B |
| hide | God |
| pauper | stanza of six lines |
| prevent | very poor |
| octave | to stop doing something |
| sestet | stanza of eight lines |
| Almighty | conceal |
Ans.
| A | B |
| hide | conceal |
| pauper | very poor |
| prevent | to stop doing something |
| octave | stanza of eight lines |
| sestet | stanza of six lines |
| Almighty | God |
Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks, using the words given below
| great | God | poet |
| merciful | heart | the blind |
1. John Milton was a great …
2. Surdas was also a ……………poet
3. ………..should not be looked down.
4. God needs pure ………….
5. Let us pray to ……………..
6. A man should be absolutely ………..
Ans.
1. poet
2. great
3. The blind
4. heart
5. God
6. merciful
E. GRAMMAR
The Conditional Clauses or Adverb Clauses of Condition
Adverb clauses of condition begin with subordinating conjunctions: if, unless etc.
If he comes, I shall help him.
If you work hard, you will succeed.
If she goes to Gaya, I shall see her.
We shall go out, if the rain stops.
Unless you work hard, you will not succeed.
Unless he comes, I shall not go.
I shall open the window provided no one objects to me.
Supposing it rains, where shall we go?
I shall help you on the condition that you promise to be honest.
The sentences given above contain conditional clauses. Mark that no future tense is used in the conditional clauses, even though they refer to the future tense.
Ex. 1. Frame ten sentences with conditional clauses.
Ans.
If water boils at 100°C, it turns into steam.
If it rains this afternoon, we will cancel the school picnic.
If I won the lottery, I would travel across India.
If you study hard, you will pass the history exam.
If the power fails, the classroom computers won’t work.
If she had practised more, she would have won the music competition.
If everyone recycles, our environment will stay cleaner.
If I were the principal, I would introduce more tech classes.
If the students arrive early, they can set up the science exhibition.
If we had planted more trees last year, the school garden would look better now.
Ex. 2. Fill in the blanks
1. If he writes ………………….
2. If it rains ………………..
3. Unless he walks, ………………
4. Unless she comes ……………..
5. Supposing he refuses to help ……………
Ans. 1. If he writes, he will remember the answer.
2. If it rains, I will be happy.
3. Unless he walks, his muscles will become really stiff.
4. Unless she comes, I will not enjoy the party.
5. Supposing he refuses to help, I will have to find someone else for assistance in my project.
Sometimes Subordinating Conjunctions are not used in Adverb Clauses of Condition.
Had I not seen this with my own eyes, I would not have believed it.
Had I the wings of a bird, I would fly.
Frame two sentences on the pattern of the sentences given above.
Sometimes Adverb Clauses of condition begin with a Relative Pronoun, or Adjective or Adverb (without any antecedent):
Whatever happens, I must go
However hard one may work, one cannot be sure of success.
Whichever course we adopt, we cannot solve this problem.
Whichever road we take, we shall be too late.
Ex. 3. Write five sentences on the pattern of sentences given above.
Ans. 1. Whatever happens, you can always come to me and talk about it.
2. However bad a day gets, music can always cheer me up.
3. Whichever career you take, you will have to work hard.
4. Whenever you study, remember to keep a bottle of water nearby.
5. Wherever you are, do not get lost.
Ex. 4. Correct the following sentences:
1. Unless he will come, I shall not go.
2. If he walks, he will be improving his health.
3. If she passes, she gets a prize.
4. Unless you will labour hard, you will not pass.
Ans.
1. Unless he comes, I shall not go.
2. If he walks, he will improve his health.
3. If she passes, she will get a prize.
4. Unless you work hard, you will not pass.
G. Translation
Translation the following sentence into English:
1. यदि वह मुझे आमंत्रित करे तो मैं वहाँ जाऊंगा।
2. यदि वह सुबह में टहलेगा तो मैं शाम में टहलूंगा।
3. यदि वर्षा होगी तो मैं बाहर नहीं जाऊँगा।
4. कठिन परिश्रम करो नहीं तो फेल कर जाओगे।
5. प्रतिदिन सुबह में टहलो क्योंकि सुबह की हवा दिन भर की दवा है।
6. क्लास में शांति बनाए रखें नहीं तो शिक्षक वर्ग छोड़ देंगे।
7. शांति एक अमूल्य चीज है।
8. कुछ लोग शांति में विश्वास नहीं करते हैं।
9. जॉन मिल्टन एक महान कवि थे।
10. उन्हें कौन नहीं जानता है?
Ans.
1. If he invites me, I will go there.
2. If he walks in the morning, I will walk in the evening.
3. If it rains, I will not go out.
4. Work hard or else you will fail.
5. Walk during the day every day because the morning air is a medicine for the rest of the day.
6. Maintain peace in the class otherwise, the teacher will leave the class.
7. Silence is an invaluable thing.
8. Some people do not believe in silence.
9. John Milton was a great poet.
10. Who doesn’t know him?
Bihar Board Class 9 English Poem 2 On His Blindness Extra Question and Answers
Extract-Based Questions
A.
“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“
Q1. What feeling does the poet express in these lines?
Ans. The poet expresses a sense of sorrow and frustration over losing his eyesight before reaching the middle of his life.
Q2. What does the phrase “dark world and wide” suggest?
Ans. The phrase “dark world and wide” suggests the poet’s blindness and the vast, challenging world he must now face without sight.
Q3. What does “Ere half my days” mean in the poem ?
Ans. “Ere half my days” means before the middle of his life, that is, when Milton lost his eyesight in his middle age.
Q4. What does the poet mean by “that one talent”?
Ans. “That one talent” refers to the poet’s God-given gift of writing and poetic ability.
Q5. Why does the poet call it “death to hide” his talent?
Ans. The poet calls it “death to hide” his talent because he believes that wasting or not using his divine gift would be a spiritual death.
B.
“Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide;”
Q1. What emotion does the poet express in these lines?
Ans. The poet expresses a feeling of frustration and helplessness because, despite his strong desire to serve God, his blindness makes his talent seem useless.
Q2. How does Milton’s attitude toward his disability differ from mere self-pity?
Ans. Milton does not indulge in self-pity; instead, he channels his sorrow into spiritual reflection, wondering how he can still serve God and fulfill his purpose despite his blindness.
Q3. What biblical idea is echoed in the phrase “my true account”?
Ans. It echoes the Biblical Parable of the Talents, where servants are expected to use the gifts given by their master and later account for them, symbolizing responsibility and divine judgment.
Q4. What does the word “bent” suggest about the poet’s nature or spirit?
Ans. The word “bent” suggests strong determination and devotion; Milton’s soul is inclined and eager to serve God wholeheartedly.
Q5. How do these lines reveal Milton’s relationship with God?
Ans. These lines reveal a deeply faithful relationship, Milton sees God as both a loving Creator and a just Master to whom he owes duty, gratitude, and honest service.
C.
“’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.’ ”
Q1. What question does Milton ask God?
Ans. Milton asks whether God still expects him to work and serve even though he has been denied the gift of sight.
Q2. Who answers the poet’s question?
Ans. Patience, personified as a gentle inner voice, answers the poet’s question.
Q3. What does Patience say about God’s need for man’s work?
Ans. Patience says that God does not need man’s work or his gifts; He values faith and submission more than physical action.
Q4. What is meant by “Who best bear his mild yoke”?
Ans. “Who best bear his mild yoke” means those who humbly accept God’s will and bear life’s burdens with patience serve Him best.
Q5. Explain the meaning of the line “They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Ans. The line “They also serve who only stand and wait.”, means that those who patiently endure suffering and accept God’s will without complaint are also true servants of God, even if they cannot perform active work.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Q1. Who is the poet of the poem On His Blindness?
A) William Wordsworth
B) John Milton
C) Alfred Tennyson
D) Robert Frost
Ans. B) John Milton
Q2. The word light in the poem stands for ________.
A) wisdom
B) faith
C) vision
D) purity
Ans. C) vision
Q3. What is the central theme of the poem?
A) Love and beauty
B) Regret and patience in serving God
C) Nature and happiness
D) Friendship and loyalty
Ans. B) Regret and patience in serving God
Q4. What is the form of the poem On His Blindness?
A) Ode
B) Sonnet
C) Elegy
D) Ballad
Ans. B) Sonnet
Q4. The poet lost his eyesight ________ in life.
A) early
B) midway
C) in old age
D) after success
Ans. B) midway
Q6. What emotion does Milton express at the beginning of the poem?
A) Joy
B) Pride
C) Regret
D) Anger
Ans. C) Regret
Q7. What does Milton fear God might do?
A) Bless him
B) Reward him
C) Punish or scold him
D) Ignore him
Ans. C) Punish or scold him
Q8. What figure of speech is used in “But Patience, to prevent that murmur, soon replies”?
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Hyperbole
D) Personification
Ans. D) Personification
Q9. What question does Milton ask God?
A) Why did You give me blindness?
B) Do You still expect work from me though I am blind?
C) When will I regain my sight?
D) Can I live without talent?
Ans. B) Do You still expect work from me though I am blind?
Q10. Who answers Milton’s question in the poem?
A) Hope
B) Faith
C) Patience
D) Wisdom
Ans. C) Patience
Q11. Fill in the blank:
The poet feels that his ________ has become useless after losing his sight.
A) talent
B) faith
C) patience
D) learning
Ans. A) talent
Q12. What does “Bear his mild yoke” mean?
A) Obey God’s will patiently
B) Rebel against God
C) Avoid responsibilities
D) Work tirelessly
Ans. A) Obey God’s will patiently
Q13. The tone of the poem changes from despair to ________.
A) anger
B) peace
C) fear
D) joy
Ans. B) peace
Q14. What does the word “Maker” refer to in the poem?
A) The poet’s teacher
B) God
C) His father
D) The king
Ans. B) God
Q15. What poetic device is used in “His state is kingly”?
A) Alliteration
B) Metaphor
C) Simile
D) Irony
Ans. B) Metaphor
Q16. What is the tone of the poem’s conclusion?
A) Bitter and angry
B) Calm and accepting
C) Fearful and hopeless
D) Sarcastic
Ans. B) Calm and accepting
Q17. What quality does Patience represent in the poem?
A) Faith and acceptance
B) Pride and strength
C) Doubt and fear
D) Hard work and discipline
Ans. A) Faith and acceptance
Q18. What kind of relationship does Milton share with God in the poem?
A) Fearful and distant
B) Loving and devoted
C) Angry and rebellious
D) Indifferent
Ans. B) Loving and devoted
Q19. What kind of loss does the poet mourn?
A) Loss of wealth
B) Loss of fame
C) Loss of eyesight
D) Loss of a loved one
Ans. C) Loss of eyesight
Q20. What moral lesson does the poem teach?
A) God rewards only hard workers
B) Human worth lies in obedience and patience
C) Suffering means punishment
D) Faith has no value without success
Ans. B) Human worth lies in obedience and patience
Extra Questions
Answer the following questions-
Q1. How does Milton describe the effect of losing his eyesight in the poem?
Ans. Milton describes the loss of his eyesight as a personal tragedy that limits his ability to use his God-given talent. He feels trapped in a “dark world and wide” and is frustrated that his talent and abilities, which he wishes to dedicate to serving God, remain unused due to this physical limitation.
Q2. What does Milton mean when he says “my soul more bent”?
Ans. The phrase “my soul more bent” conveys Milton’s strong determination and desire to serve God despite his blindness. It highlights his eagerness to dedicate his talent to meaningful work and reflects the tension between his physical limitations and the continuous will of his spirit, showing his devotion and faith.
Q3. How does Milton personify Patience in the poem?
Ans. Milton personifies Patience as a comforting, guiding voice that intervenes when he begins to question God. This figure, which is essentially his inner voice, reassures him that physical action is not the only way to serve God. By giving Patience a voice, Milton emphasizes the importance of inner acceptance and mental strength in overcoming life’s challenges.
Q4. What question does Milton ask after reflecting on his blindness?
Ans. Milton questions whether God expects him to perform work despite being blind. He wonders if it is fair for God to demand service from someone physically incapable of acting. This moment reflects his internal struggle, illustrating his fear of failing in his duty and his concern about how his limitations affect his ability to serve faithfully.
Q5. What is implied by the line “Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide”?
Ans. The line implies that Milton lost his eyesight relatively early in life, before he could fully realize his ambitions. It reflects his awareness of the limited time left and the challenges ahead. The phrase emphasizes both the physical and metaphorical “darkness” he now faces, showcasing the sense of frustration and urgency in his thoughts.
Q6. How does Milton describe his unused talent?
Ans. Milton describes his talent as “lodged…useless,” expressing frustration and helplessness. Although he is eager to serve God, his blindness prevents him from putting his poetic ability to use. This description conveys the inner conflict of wanting to be productive and meaningful while being physically unable to act, expressing the tension between desire and limitation.
Q7. What advice does Patience give Milton about serving God?
Ans. Patience advises Milton that service to God does not require constant physical work. Those who patiently accept life’s challenges and bear God’s will faithfully are serving Him just as much as those engaged in active tasks. This guidance teaches Milton that inner strength, patience, and calm endurance are valid forms of meaningful contribution.
Q8. How does the poem reflect Milton’s attitude toward limitations?
Ans. The poem reflects Milton’s realization that physical limitations do not diminish a person’s value or devotion. Despite losing his sight, he learns that patient acceptance and fath towards God will allow him to serve his Master meaningfully. His attitude emphasizes the significance of inner qualities like patience, obedience, and dedication over outward ability or activity.
Q9. How does Milton convey his inner conflict in the poem?
Ans. John conveys inner conflict through rhetorical questions, reflection, and expressions of doubt. He struggles between the desire to serve God actively and the frustration of being unable to do so due to blindness. The tension between ambition, faith and limitation is expressed throughout the poem, showing both his faithful nature and his struggle to align his capability with divine expectations.
Q10. What message does the line “They also serve who only stand and wait” convey about patience?
Ans. This line emphasizes that patience and quiet endurance are meaningful forms of service. Even without visible work, those who accept life’s challenges and follow God’s will faithfully contribute to His purpose. Milton conveys that inner strength and faithful waiting are as valuable as action, emphasizing the importance of patience and spiritual dedication.