The Meaning and Significance of 'They Also Serve Who Only Stand and Wait' in Milton’s Sonnet

John Milton, renowned for his poetic genius, left behind a rich legacy of works that continue to inspire and provoke thought in readers. One of his most notable sonnets, ldquo;On His Blindness,rdquo; contains the iconic line, ldquo;they also serve who only stand and wait.rdquo; This article delves into the meaning and significance of this line within the context of Milton's poetry, specifically in his sonnet form.

Understanding the Line

The line ldquo;they also serve who only stand and waitrdquo; carries a profound message about service and support. According to Kisty, this line can be interpreted as:

ldquo;They service and support everyone, even those who contribute nothing themselves.rdquo;

A natural extension of this line is to encompass various forms of service: from police and military personnel to medical professionals and volunteers, each contributes to the greater good in their unique way. The act of standing and waiting, in this context, is a form of service that may not be immediately visible or recognized but is every bit as vital as active participation.

Near the End of Milton’s Life: The Poem “On His Blindness”

When John Milton went blind at the end of his life, he faced a significant challenge. The fear of being unable to continue his work as a poet, which was his primary means of expressing himself, deeply troubled him. Despite his depression and the demoralizing experience, he penned ldquo;On His Blindness.rdquo;

In this sonnet, Milton grapples with the question of whether God still expects service and dedication from someone who has lost their primary form of expression. The line ldquo;Doth he tweak lute string of thy fancy no more, since thy fingers xuere no more nimble?rdquo; captures this dilemma. Here, Milton wonders if he is still expected to write poetry, now that he can no longer see.

God’s Response and the Concept of Service

According to Kisty, in the poem, God responds by lending a voice to Milton, affirming that one cannot be expected to do what one cannot do anymore. This response is a profound summary of the concept of service: one can only do what one is able to do. Thus, even while blind, Milton can still serve, not through physical action but through other means, such as his poetry or his reflections on enduring the challenges that come with blindness.

Interpretation of the Sonnet

Milton's sonnet is rich in meaning and suggests that service is not exclusive to action alone. The speaker in the sonnet expresses a sense of envy towards those who travel, effort, and passionately devote themselves to God. He questions whether standing and waiting is merely a quiet and passive form of service. However, the line ldquo;they also serve who only stand and waitrdquo; challenges this perspective, highlighting the value of all forms of service, even those that may appear less active.

Significance of the Line

The line ldquo;they also serve who only stand and waitrdquo; carries a deeper meaning. It suggests that the war is not won solely by those on the front lines, but also by those who support them from behind. This support can take many forms, from emotional and spiritual encouragement to practical assistance. Each form of service, whether active or passive, is valuable and essential in achieving the common goal.

Conclusion

John Milton’s sonnet ldquo;On His Blindnessrdquo; is a testament to the enduring relevance of his wisdom. The line ldquo;they also serve who only stand and waitrdquo; encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of service and support. It reminds us that all contributions matter, whether they are visibly apparent or not. This message is timeless and continues to inspire individuals to find their unique ways of serving, even in the face of adversity.