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Useless In Sonnet XIX, By John Milton

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Sonnet XIX is written by John Milton. John loved to read and write. In his midlife John slowly began to lose his beloved sight. John’s sight was his open door to god and the world. Milton’s message is to let the reader know that you can cope with misfortunes by serving god.

Milton has a very hard time accepting his new life as a blind man. He often goes back in time wishing he had used his sight to its full potential. He is very depressed and self centered. He believes that the entire world is dark and miserable just like him even though the world is full of light. He views the world as a reflection of himself. Milton goes on to say “Ere half my days in this dark world and wide lodged with me useless”. …show more content…
Ineffective is more technical. It is used to describe machines and whether or not they produce the desired effect. “Useless” on the other hand really helps show the reader how desperate Milton wishes to regain his sight.You start to feel his pain and understand how lost he is. John feels stripped of his identity.Useless helps the reader feel how painful it can be to feel as worthless and insignificant as a needle in a haystack.

The quote “Ere half my days in this dark world and wide lodged with me useless” purpose is let the reader know that John is not only blind and feels darkness physically but also metaphorically. John feels like he has lost his value in society and can no longer serve god or access his talent due to his blindness. John has also lost his independence and feels helpless relying on others.

Religion during the 1600s was a huge part of life. Many activities and schedules revolved around the church and its community. Now that John is almost isolated from society he sees the world as a sad and evil place where passion doesn’t exist

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