In 1637, John Milton wrote his famous sonnet “On His Blindness,” which begins with the oft-quoted line “They also serve who only stand and wait.” The context of this line is important in exploring its meaning and implications.
Historical Context
John Milton lived in a time when England was undergoing significant political, social, and religious upheaval. He wrote this sonnet while he was completely blind and struggling to serve in a meaningful way. The line “They also serve who only stand and wait” occurs within the context of his struggle to reconcile his own blindness with his desire to serve God.
The Taskmaster Metaphor
In the sonnet, Milton refers to God as a “taskmaster” who has assigned him work to do. He initially believes that his blindness means he cannot possibly fulfill this assignment, but then comes to the realization that there are different ways of serving. He acknowledges that standing and waiting can also be a form of service, and that it is possible to continue to serve even when one cannot actively participate in the world.
Appropriation in Literary Works and Historical Contexts
The idea that service can take many forms has been reiterated throughout literary history. In Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel “The Old Man and the Sea,” the main character, Santiago, serves by waiting patiently for a fish to bite, even though he has not caught a fish in 84 days. Similarly, in Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town,” the character Emily serves through the ordinary, everyday actions of life.
The message of the sonnet has also been appropriated in different historical contexts. During World War II, the line “They also serve who only stand and wait” was used in a propaganda campaign that encouraged civilians to support the war effort through buying war bonds or working on the home front.
Relevance in Society Today
The idea that standing and waiting can be a form of service is still relevant today. Many people find themselves in situations where they cannot actively participate in the world, whether due to illness, disability, or other circumstances. It is important to recognize that these people can still make meaningful contributions to society through their presence and support.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that service can take many forms. Healthcare workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic, but others have served by staying at home and reducing the spread of the virus. In this context, the idea that “they also serve who only stand and wait” takes on added significance.
Key Takeaways
- Service can take many forms, and standing and waiting can be a meaningful way of serving.
- The metaphor of the taskmaster in Milton’s sonnet highlights the idea that service is essential, but can take many different forms.
- Literature and history have reiterated the importance of recognizing that service can take many forms.
- Even when we cannot actively participate in the world, we can still make meaningful contributions through presence and support.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that service can take many forms.
FAQs
Q: What does “they also serve who only stand and wait” mean?
A: The phrase means that even if one cannot actively participate in the world, their presence and support can still be a form of service.
Q: When was “On His Blindness” written?
A: It was written in 1637 by John Milton.
Q: How has the idea of service been appropriated in literature?
A: Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” and Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” both explore the idea that service can take many forms.
Q: How has the idea of service been appropriated in historical contexts?
A: During World War II, the line “They also serve who only stand and wait” was used in a propaganda campaign that encouraged civilians to support the war effort through buying war bonds or working on the home front.