2. Poems by Milton - Poetry - Class 12 - Kaleidoscope

BhashaLab
Jul 9
4 min read

Updated: Jul 10

Author: John Milton

Kaleidoscope – Poetry Section

Genre – Lyrical Poetry / Philosophical Verse / Elegy

Summary

These two short poems by John Milton explore time, mortality, and legacy through the lens of his Christian faith and literary admiration.

In “On Time”, Milton addresses Time as a destructive force, devouring everything it creates. He criticizes worldly pleasures and materialism as “false and vain” and celebrates spiritual and eternal values like truth, peace, and love. He believes that once Time consumes itself, human souls guided by divinity will ascend to an eternal afterlife. The poem ends with a triumphant vision where humans sit beyond death, adorned in stars, and rejoice in eternal bliss.

In “On Shakespeare”, Milton praises Shakespeare’s literary genius, stating that the poet needs no grand monuments to prove his worth. Shakespeare’s writing itself is an eternal tribute that lives in the minds and hearts of readers. Milton calls him a “dear son of memory” whose effortless verses evoke deep emotions, turning readers into statues—immobile with awe. His words are so powerful that even kings would envy such a legacy.

Together, these poems affirm that artistic genius and spiritual purity transcend time and mortality.

Character Sketch (Applicable to Poet’s Persona)

John Milton appears as a deeply reflective, spiritually grounded, and intellectually rigorous poet. In “On Time,” he shows a philosophical disdain for material pleasures and a strong belief in eternal salvation. In “On Shakespeare,” he becomes an admiring contemporary who praises the power of words to outlive physical monuments. His poetry balances reason with emotion and reverence with insight.

Themes

Theme	Description
Time and Mortality	Time is shown as a devourer of all things in life, but powerless against eternity.
Eternal Life and Salvation	Milton emphasizes Christian ideas of resurrection, divine truth, and joy after death.
Literary Immortality	Shakespeare is presented as an artist whose works outlast stone monuments.
Power of Language	Both poems celebrate how literature and truth transcend physical limitations.
Vanity of Material Things	Milton warns against worldly indulgences and encourages focus on eternal values.

✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

Device	Example	Effect
Personification	“Fly envious Time” – Time is given human characteristics.	Makes abstract concepts vivid and relatable.
Metaphor	“individual kiss” from eternity.	Suggests divine blessing and salvation.
Alliteration	“lazy leaden-stepping,” “glut thyself,” “truth, and peace, and love.”	Enhances rhythm and focus on key phrases.
Apostrophe	Addressing Time and Shakespeare directly.	Adds intensity and a reflective tone.
Imagery	“Attired with stars,” “delphic lines,” “marble with conceaving.”	Creates rich, symbolic visuals for abstract ideas.
Symbolism	“Plummets pace” symbolizes slow movement and mortality.	Emphasizes the heavy, dragging nature of time.

Title Justification

The titles “On Time” and “On Shakespeare” precisely reflect the subjects of each poem. On Time addresses the nature and futility of worldly existence as governed by time, contrasting it with the eternal joy of salvation. On Shakespeare offers a tribute to the Bard, emphasizing how his poetic genius creates a monument more lasting than stone. The titles are fitting and clear, setting the reflective tone of both poems and highlighting Milton's philosophical and literary engagement.

One-Mark Questions

Why does Milton call Time “envious” in “On Time”?
Milton sees Time as envious because it consumes everything, including joy and beauty. It devours what it cannot enjoy.
What does Milton say awaits humans after Time is “consumed”?
He says “Eternity shall greet our bliss” and humans will triumph over death. Eternal life with divine truth, peace, and love follows.
Why does Milton think Shakespeare needs no monument?
Milton believes Shakespeare’s writings themselves are a lasting monument. His literary impact is far more powerful than physical stone.
What is meant by “Thy easie numbers flow”?
It refers to Shakespeare’s effortless poetic style. His words flowed naturally and deeply impressed readers.
What effect does Shakespeare’s writing have on readers, according to Milton?
It turns readers into statues, overwhelmed by emotional and intellectual admiration. It stuns them with its power.

Three-Mark Questions

Explain Milton’s vision of eternity in “On Time.”
Milton presents a Christian vision where Time eventually destroys itself, having devoured all mortal things. After this, true believers experience eternal joy, truth, peace, and love. He uses vivid images like “an individual kiss” and being “attir’d with stars” to show divine grace. His focus is not on fear of death but on hope and redemption. The poem thus offers spiritual comfort.
How does Milton portray the power of poetry in “On Shakespeare”?
Milton suggests that poetry can build a more lasting legacy than stone. Shakespeare’s words leave deep impressions on readers and evoke awe. His language has a magical quality—fluid, rich, and deeply emotional. This creates a “live-long monument” in readers’ hearts. Milton argues that this emotional legacy is greater than any physical tomb.
What contrast does Milton draw between worldly and spiritual pursuits in “On Time”?
Milton views material life as full of “false and vain” things, which Time eventually consumes. In contrast, spiritual pursuits—truth, peace, and divine love—endure forever. He suggests that while Time has power over physical existence, it is powerless against eternal spiritual joy. He urges the reader to look beyond “mortal dross.” In doing so, he promotes a life of virtue and faith.

Value-Based Question

Q: What moral or philosophical lesson do Milton’s poems teach us about legacy and eternity?

Milton teaches that worldly achievements and material monuments are fleeting, while moral virtue and intellectual or spiritual contributions endure. True immortality comes through sincere living, divine faith, and lasting creativity, like poetry. Shakespeare is remembered not because of a physical tomb but because his words continue to touch souls. Milton reminds us to value what is eternal over what is perishable. The poems inspire us to seek depth, truth, and lasting impact in life.

End

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