'To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness' by John Milton
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear
To outward view, of blemish or of spot;
Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,
Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear
Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,
Or man or woman. Yet I argue not
Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot
Of heart or hope; but still bear vp and steer
Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd
In libertyes defence, my noble task,
Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask
Content though blind, had I no better guide.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness: A Masterpiece of Milton
When it comes to literature, John Milton has been known to leave a profound impact on the minds of his readers. His works, particularly Paradise Lost, are still studied and analyzed to this day. However, today we will be examining one of his lesser-known works, a poem that is no less brilliant than his other works: To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness. This poem is a tribute to Skinner, a man who lost his sight at a young age, and it is a heartfelt ode to his unwavering spirit.
Background
Before diving into the poem, we need to understand the background of the subject, Mr. Cyriack Skinner. Skinner was an acquaintance of Milton, and he lost his sight at the age of 23. Despite this tragedy, Skinner was a man of immense strength and character. He continued to lead a fulfilling life, studying and exploring the world around him through his other senses. Milton was deeply inspired by Skinner's resilience, and this poem is a testament to that admiration.
Analysis
The poem comprises two stanzas, each containing four lines. The simplicity of the structure is deceiving, as the poem is filled with layers of meaning that require careful analysis.
First Stanza
Cyriack, this three years' day these eys, though clear
To outward view, of blemish or of spot,
Bereft of light their seeing have forgot,
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear.
The first stanza begins with the poet addressing the subject of his poem, Cyriack Skinner. The first line indicates that it has been three years since Skinner lost his sight. The use of the word 'clear' indicates that Skinner's eyes were healthy and without blemish. However, despite this, Skinner has lost his ability to see. The use of 'idle orbs' indicates that Skinner's eyes have become useless, and he can no longer perceive the world through them.
The second line is a continuation of the first, indicating the loss of Skinner's vision is not due to any physical ailment. The use of 'of blemish or of spot' indicates that Skinner's eyes were not afflicted by any disease or disorder.
The third line speaks to the loss of Skinner's sight, indicating that he has forgotten what it means to see. The use of 'their seeing' indicates that Skinner's eyes had a life and identity of their own, which they have lost.
The fourth and final line of the stanza indicates that Skinner's eyes are now 'idle,' indicating that they have lost their purpose.
Second Stanza
In vain, O Maïa, dost thou ask thy why?
'Tis so decreed on high,
The first sort shall be last, the last shall be first,
What boots it with incessant care
To tend the homely slighted shepherd's trade,
And strictly meditate the thankless Muse?
Were it not better done as others use,
To sport with Amaryllis in the shade,
Or with the tangles of Neæra's hair?
The second stanza takes a different turn, and Milton begins to reflect on the meaning of life and purpose. The first line addresses Maïa, one of the seven Pleiades of Greek mythology, who was also associated with the month of May. The use of this mythological figure indicates the futility of searching for meaning in life.
The second line is a declaration that the loss of Skinner's sight is part of a greater plan decreed by God. The use of 'on high' indicates that this is a divine plan beyond the control of humans.
The third line is a reference to the Bible, specifically Matthew 19:30, "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." This biblical reference is used to reinforce the idea that the loss of Skinner's sight is part of a larger divine plan.
The fourth line is a transition to a series of rhetorical questions asked by the poet. The first question asks why one should bother with the mundane tasks of life, such as tending to a shepherd's trade or writing poetry.
The fifth and sixth lines continue the rhetorical questions, asking if it would be better to live a carefree life, indulging in the pleasures of the flesh. The use of 'sport with Amaryllis in the shade' and 'with the tangles of Neæra's hair' indicates a life of leisure and indulgence.
Interpretation
The poem is an ode to the resilience of the human spirit. The first stanza speaks to the physical loss of Skinner's sight, while the second stanza speaks to the larger existential questions of life.
The use of Skinner's blindness is a metaphor for the struggles that humans face in life. Despite the loss of his sight, Skinner continued to lead a fulfilling life, never giving up on himself or the world around him. This resilience is something that Milton deeply admired, and the poem is a tribute to that strength.
The second stanza is a reflection on the meaning of life and the futility of searching for answers. The use of Maïa and the biblical reference to Matthew 19:30 indicate that there is a larger divine plan at work, and humans must accept their place in it. The rhetorical questions asked by the poet are a reflection of the human condition, the constant questioning and searching for meaning in life.
Conclusion
To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness is a masterpiece of Milton's poetry. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reflection on the larger existential questions of life. The simplicity of its structure belies the complexity of its meaning, and the use of metaphor and allusion adds layers of depth to the poem. Milton's admiration for Skinner's strength and character is evident in every line, and the poem stands as a tribute to the human capacity for resilience in the face of adversity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness: A Poem of Hope and Resilience
John Milton, one of the greatest poets of the English language, wrote the poem "To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness" in 1655. The poem is a tribute to Skinner, a friend of Milton who had lost his sight. In this poem, Milton expresses his sympathy for Skinner's condition and offers him words of comfort and encouragement. The poem is a powerful example of Milton's poetic genius and his ability to convey complex emotions through language.
The poem begins with Milton addressing Skinner directly, expressing his sorrow at Skinner's loss of sight. He acknowledges the pain and difficulty that Skinner must be experiencing, but also offers him hope and encouragement. Milton writes:
"Cyriack, this three years' day these eyes, though clear, To outward view, of blemish or of spot, Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot; Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer Right onward."
In these lines, Milton acknowledges the physical reality of Skinner's blindness, but also emphasizes that he does not blame God or fate for this condition. Instead, he encourages Skinner to remain hopeful and to continue moving forward in life.
Milton then goes on to describe the beauty of the natural world, which Skinner can no longer see. He writes:
"And, Cyriack, thee, these eyes, though clear, To outward view, of blemish or of spot, Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot; Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year, Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not Against Heaven's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer Right onward."
Here, Milton is reminding Skinner of the beauty and wonder of the world that he can no longer see. He is also suggesting that there is more to life than just physical sight, and that Skinner can still find joy and meaning in other ways.
Milton then turns to the theme of faith, which is a central theme in much of his work. He writes:
"Or, if they sleep, thy picture in my sight Awakes my heart to thee, and thine to me. Yet, lest perchance I should too much admire Such riches, and, in wanting, surfeit so, I haste to seek them in the other life."
Here, Milton is suggesting that faith can provide comfort and solace in times of difficulty. He is also suggesting that there is a spiritual dimension to life that is more important than physical sight.
Finally, Milton concludes the poem with a powerful statement of hope and resilience. He writes:
"Thus, dear Sir, be steadfast; never move Nor be disheartened, for the power of truth Is such that all her foes shall be subdued, And her supporters crowned with endless youth. But all is not; the unconquerable will, And study of revenge, immortal hate, And courage never to submit or yield, And what is else not to be overcome; That glory never shall his wrath or might Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace With suppliant knee, and deify his power Who from the terror of this arm so late Doubted his empire; that were low indeed, That were an ignominy and shame beneath This downfall; since by fate the strength of Gods And this empyreal substance cannot fail; Since, through experience of this great event, In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced, We may with more successful hope resolve To wage by force or guile eternal war, Irreconcilable to our grand foe, Who now triumphs, and in the excess of joy Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven."
In these lines, Milton is urging Skinner to remain steadfast and to never give up hope. He is also suggesting that there is a power within us that can overcome even the greatest obstacles. This power is the unconquerable will, the study of revenge, and the courage to never submit or yield. Milton is suggesting that these qualities are essential for success in life, and that they can help us overcome even the most difficult challenges.
In conclusion, "To Mr. Cyriack Skinner Upon His Blindness" is a powerful poem that offers words of comfort and encouragement to those facing difficult challenges. Milton's use of language is masterful, and his ability to convey complex emotions through poetry is unparalleled. The poem is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the unconquerable will. It is a poem that continues to inspire and uplift readers today, just as it did when it was first written over 350 years ago.
Editor Recommended Sites
Infrastructure As Code: Learn cloud IAC for GCP and AWSMusic Theory: Best resources for Music theory and ear training online
Cloud Runbook - Security and Disaster Planning & Production support planning: Always have a plan for when things go wrong in the cloud
Flutter Widgets: Explanation and options of all the flutter widgets, and best practice
Data Visualization: Visualization using python seaborn and more
Recommended Similar Analysis
How Distant by Philip Larkin analysisVanitas Vanitatum, Omnia Vanitas by Anne Brontë analysis
"The World Is To Much With Us; Late and Soon" by William Wordsworth analysis
In The Waiting Room by Elizabeth Bishop analysis
Two April Mornings, The by William Wordsworth analysis
Desert Places by Robert Frost analysis
Alphonso Of Castile by Ralph Waldo Emerson analysis
Elegy Written In A Country Churchyard by Thomas Gray analysis
I Ask My Mother To Sing by Li-Young Lee analysis
Saturday At The Canal by Gary Soto analysis