PSEB Class 12 Poem 7 On His Blindness Important Question Answers from A Rainbow of English book
PSEB Class 12 English On His Blindness Question Answers – Looking for questions and answers for PSEB Class 12 A Rainbow of English Book Poem 7 On His Blindness? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 12 English question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Poem 7 On His Blindness now. The questions listed below are based on the latest PSEB exam pattern. All the Questions Answers given at the back of the lesson have also been covered.
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PSEB Class 12 English Poem 7 On His Blindness Textbook Questions
I. COMPREHENSION AND ENJOYMENT
1. Give the central idea of the poem.
Ans. The poem expresses John Milton’s anguish over losing his eyesight and his fear that he can no longer use his God-given talent to serve his Creator. However, he is comforted by the realization that God does not require human labor or gifts and that those who patiently accept His will and wait faithfully also serve Him just as well as those who actively perform tasks.
I. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow:
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
Lodged with me useless………..
(a) In the first line ‘light’ is a ……. for vision. (alliteration, metaphor)
(b) The word ‘spent means ……. (used up, alienated)
(c) Name the poet of this poem.
(d) What is the meaning of the word ‘talent’ in the line “….. . And that one talent…..”?
Ans.
(a) In the first line ‘light’ is a metaphor for vision.
(b) The word ‘spent’ means used up.
(c) The poet of this poem is John Milton.
(d) The word ‘talent’ in the line “And that one talent…” means a special gift or ability given by God, (in Milton’s case, his poetic genius).
II. Read the lines given below and answer the questions that follow
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.
(a) Identify the figure of speech in the line… But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies,……….
(b) The speaker is about to “murmur” the question about whether God would be so cruel as to make impossible demands of work, but then who steps in to stop him?
(c) What does Patience say about God?
(d) Which line in the poem says, “The one who accepts God’s control over his own existence is the best servant of God”?
Ans.
(a) The figure of speech in the line “But Patience, to prevent That murmur, soon replies” is personification as patience is given human qualities and speaks to the poet.
(b) The speaker is about to “murmur” the question about whether God would be cruel enough to demand work despite blindness, but Patience steps in to stop him.
(c) Patience says that God does not require man’s labor or his gifts. Those who accept God’s will calmly and bear His mild rule serve Him best.
(d) The line in the poem that expresses this idea is, “Who best bear his mild yoke, they serve him best.”
PSEB Class 12 English Poem 7 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.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
True or False
State whether the following are true or false-
1. The poem ‘On His Blindness’ was written by William Wordsworth. (True/False)
2. The poet regrets that he cannot use his poetic talent after losing his eyesight. (True/False)
3. The word light in the poem stands for the brightness of the Sun. (True/False)
4. The poet fears that God may punish him for not using his gift. (True/False)
5. Patience is personified in the poem and speaks to the poet. (True/False)
6. God demands constant hard work from all His servants, according to Patience. (True/False)
7. “They also serve who only stand and wait” means that patient acceptance is also service to God. (True/False)
8. The tone of the poem changes from despair to peace and acceptance. (True/False)
9. The poem shows the poet’s anger and rebellion against God. (True/False)
10. The poem teaches that true service lies in humble faith and obedience to God. (True/False)
Answers-
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
6. False
7. True
8. True
9. False
10. True
Fill in the blanks
1. Milton wonders how his ________ can serve God after he has lost his sight.
2. The poem begins with the line, “When I consider how my ________ is spent.”
3. Milton compares his unused talent to a sum of ________ in the Bible.
4. The inner voice that consoles Milton is called ________.
5. Milton fears being ________ if he does not use his talent properly.
6. The phrase “my soul more bent” shows Milton’s ________ to serve God.
7. Patience tells Milton that God’s servants include those who only ________ and wait.
8. The word “murmur” in the poem refers to Milton’s ________ about God’s expectations.
9. Milton realizes that even those who patiently ________ can serve God faithfully.
10. The poem suggests that true service to God does not only depend on ________.
Answers-
1. talent
2. light
3. money
4. Patience
5. punished
6. devotion
7. stand
8. doubt
9. Wait
10. action
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.