Toward Blind Language: John Milton Writing, 1648–1656

Abstract

Using Milton's poetry from his years of failing and newly lost sight, this article demonstrates the beginnings of Milton's blind language. Through close analysis of the sonnet “To Mr Cyriack Skinner Upon his Blindness,” the psalms translations (Milton's only sustained poetic exercises during his years of approaching and full blindness), and finally, Sonnet 16 (“On His Blindness”), this article argues that Milton harnesses his intellectual and emotional powers into a blind and generative poetic energy.