Homework Clinic
Social Science Clinic => English => Topic started by: misspop on Jul 20, 2018
-
Is talent a pun referring to Miltons talent for writing poetry? Whatother meanings of the word seem appropriate in this poem?
What will be an ideal response?
Question 2
If the poem is not about blindness, what might it be about?
What will be an ideal response?
-
Answer to Question 1
- In the New Testament parable (Matthew 25:1430), the hidden talent is money that should have been earning interest. That Milton is thinking primarily of work and business can be plausibly argued; other words in the poem convey such connotationsspent, true account, day-labor, and perhaps useless, which suggests the Medieval Latin word for interest, usura.
The theme of frustration in life (and reconciliation to ones lot) is dealt with differently in Shakespeares When, in disgrace with Fortune and mens eyes. Also refer students to Borgess homage On his blindness.
Answer to Question 2
- Possible suggestions: Miltons declining powers of poetry; Miltons fame as a Puritan apologist.