When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton Summary, When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton essay, When I consider how my light is spent On his blindness - Sonnet 19 John Milton

 When I consider how my light is spent 

On his blindness - Sonnet 19

John Milton

Introduction

          John Milton’s Sonnet 19, often called “When I consider how my light is spent,” captures the poet’s internal struggle after losing his eyesight. The poem evaluates his fear of failing in his God-given purpose and then shifts toward a strategic understanding of divine expectations.

Milton’s Realisation of His Blindness

          The speaker reflects on how he became blind in the middle stage of his life. He sees the world as a dark place and feels that his most valuable talent—writing—has become useless. This creates anxiety, because he believes that hiding his talent would be a serious mistake.

Conflict About Serving God

          He worries that he cannot complete the work God expects from him. He questions whether God would still demand tasks that require sight after taking away that sight. This doubt reflects his fear of being judged for not using his abilities.

Patience Provides the Answer

          His inner voice, symbolised as Patience, counters this fear. It states that God does not depend on human labour or special talents. Obedience matters more than action. Even those who quietly wait for God’s direction serve Him effectively.

Conclusion

          The poem finally communicates that service to God is not measured by physical work but by sincere faith and willingness to obey.

Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput Essay, Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput summary, Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput

Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          Gulliver's Travels: A Voyage to Lilliput tells the story of Lemuel Gulliver, who reaches a strange island called Lilliput after a shipwreck. There he meets tiny people and becomes involved in their daily life and political problems.

Gulliver Reaches Lilliput:

           Gulliver comes from a poor family and works as a surgeon before returning to sea. His ship, the Antelope, sinks in a storm, and he reaches the shore of Lilliput. When he wakes up, he finds himself tied down by small humans only six inches tall. At first, they fear him, but they give him food and water and later take him to their capital city. Gulliver behaves kindly, and the emperor slowly begins to trust him.

War with Blefuscu:

          A government officer explains that Lilliput is divided into two political groups. They are also preparing for a war with their enemy, Blefuscu. Gulliver helps Lilliput by capturing Blefuscu’s navy. He becomes a hero, but he refuses to destroy Blefuscu completely because he feels it is unfair.

Escape from Danger:

          Some Lilliputian leaders become jealous and accuse Gulliver of treason. Fearing punishment, he escapes to Blefuscu. There he finds a large boat, repairs it, and sails back to England.

Conclusion:

           These chapters show Gulliver’s adventures in a small but complicated world and how he escapes from danger through courage and wisdom.

Sir Roger at Church summary, Sir Roger at Church essay, Sir Roger at Church, Sir Roger at Church by Joseph Addison Summary, Sir Roger at Church by Joseph Addison Essay, Sir Roger at Church by Joseph Addison,

Sir Roger at Church by Joseph Addison

Short Essay 

Introduction

          Joseph Addison’s essay “Sir Roger at Church” presents a pleasant picture of country life and religion. Through the character of Sir Roger de Coverley, Addison shows how faith, good manners, and kind leadership can improve a community.

Sir Roger’s Care for His Parish

          Sir Roger is a devoted and generous churchman. He beautifies the church, provides prayer books and hassocks for his tenants, and hires a singing master to teach them hymns. His actions reveal his sincere wish to make his parish more regular, respectful, and united in worship.

Sir Roger’s Conduct in Church

          During the service, Sir Roger keeps strict order among the congregation. He wakes those who sleep and corrects anyone who misbehaves. Although his manner is sometimes amusing, his people admire his honesty and good intentions. His authority helps maintain peace and discipline in the church.

Sir Roger’s Good Example

          Unlike the nearby village, where the squire and parson are always in conflict, Sir Roger and his chaplain work together in friendship. Their cooperation brings harmony to the whole parish.

Conclusion

          Addison’s essay teaches that true religion is shown not only in prayer, but in kindness, good example, and the desire to guide others toward right conduct.

Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt Essay, Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt summary, Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt, Our Casuarina Tree Essay, Our Casuarina Tree Summary

Our Casuarina Tree by Toru Dutt

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          Toru Dutt’s poem Our Casuarina Tree is a heartfelt tribute to a tree that holds deep memories of her childhood and her loved ones. The poem beautifully mixes nature, memory, and emotion, showing how one tree can symbolize love and remembrance.

The Beauty of the Tree:

          The poet compares a creeper wrapped around the Casuarina tree to a huge python. The tree’s trunk is rough and scarred, but it looks grand with red flowers hanging like a scarf. Birds and bees visit it all day, and at night, the air fills with sweet songs. In the morning, baboons play on its branches, birds sing, cows walk by, and white water lilies bloom near its shadow.

Memories and Emotions:

          The poet loves the tree not just for its beauty but because it reminds her of her childhood and her dear siblings who have passed away. The tree’s rustling sound feels like a sad song mourning their loss.

Symbol of Love and Immortality:

          Even when far from home, the poet remembers the tree. She wishes to honor it through her poem so it will live forever in memory, protected from being forgotten.

Conclusion:

          Through this poem, Toru Dutt shows that nature can hold our love, grief, and memories, making the Casuarina tree a lasting symbol of affection and remembrance.

Dream Children: A Reverie by Charles Lamb Essay, Dream Children: A Reverie by Charles Lamb Summary, Dream Children: A Reverie by Charles Lamb, Dream Children: A Reverie Summary, Dream Children: A Reverie Essay, Dream Children: A Reverie

Dream Children: A Reverie by Charles Lamb

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          Dream Children: A Reverie is a touching and imaginative essay by Charles Lamb, written under his pen name Elia. In this piece, he tells a story to his dream children, John and Alice, about his childhood memories, his beloved grandmother Mrs. Field, and the joys and sorrows of his early life.

Mrs. Field and Her Mansion:

          Elia tells the children that their great-grandmother, Mrs. Field, lived in a large old mansion in Norfolk. The house belonged to a rich nobleman who stayed elsewhere. Mrs. Field cared for the mansion with great love and pride. A sad story about two children and their cruel uncle was carved on the wooden chimney piece. Later, a rich man foolishly replaced it with a marble one that had no story. Little Alice felt angry and disappointed at this. After Mrs. Field’s death, the nobleman took away the ornaments to his new house, where they looked out of place.

Mrs. Field’s Qualities:

          Mrs. Field was a kind, honest, and religious woman. She knew much of the Bible and was respected by everyone. Though people said ghosts haunted the house, she was never afraid and slept alone at night. When she died, many from the neighbourhood and the gentry attended her funeral. In her youth, she was tall, graceful, and a good dancer.

Elia’s Childhood Memories:

          Elia recalls spending his holidays in the mansion. He admired the busts of the twelve Caesars and walked around the gardens full of fruits like oranges, peaches, and nectarines. Yet, he never plucked them, showing his self-control. 

Conclusion:

          In the end, Elia wakes up from his reverie and realises that John and Alice were not real children but creations of his imagination and his lost love, Alice.

The Things That Haven't Been Done Before by Edgar Guest Summary, The Things That Haven't Been Done Before by Edgar Guest essay, The Things That Haven't Been Done Before by Edgar Guest, The Things That Haven't Been Done Before Summary, The Things That Haven't Been Done Before essay,

The Things That Haven't Been Done Before 

Edgar Guest

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          The Things That Haven’t Been Done Before by Edgar Guest is a motivational poem that encourages people to be brave, creative, and different. The poet praises those who take risks and try new things instead of just following others.

Courage to Try New Things:

          The poem begins by talking about people like Columbus, who dared to explore the unknown. Even when others laughed or doubted him, he stayed strong and followed his dream. The poet says that such courage leads to great discoveries.

The Followers and the Leaders:

          Most people prefer to walk on safe and known paths. They live by what others have already done. They are afraid of failure or change. But a few brave people choose to take new paths without fear. They create new ways for others to follow.

Message to the Reader:

          In the last part, the poet asks the reader to decide whether they will follow others or lead the way. He encourages everyone to be bold, try new ideas, and not to fear failure.

Conclusion:

          The poem inspires us to be leaders, dreamers, and innovators. True success comes from daring to do the things that haven’t been done before.

Barn Burning by William Faulkner Summary, Barn Burning by William Faulkner essay, Barn Burning by William Faulkner, Barn Burning Summary, Barn Burning Essay

Barn Burning by William Faulkner

Short Essay 

Introduction:

          William Faulkner’s short story Barn Burning tells about a young boy named Colonel Sartoris Snopes (Sarty) and his struggle between family loyalty and doing what is right. Sarty’s father, Abner Snopes, keeps getting into trouble because of his anger and desire for revenge.

Trouble at the Courthouse:

          The story begins in a small store used as a courtroom. Mr. Harris accuses Abner of burning his barn after their argument about a hog. Sarty knows his father is guilty but is afraid to tell the truth. The judge cannot find proof, so Abner is set free but told to leave town. That night, Abner hits Sarty and tells him to always stay loyal to his family.

The Dirty Rug and Another Trial:

          The Snopes family moves again to work for Major de Spain. When Abner visits the rich man’s house, he steps in dirt and wipes his boot on a fancy rug. The rug is ruined. Abner’s family cleans it with lye. De Spain demands twenty bushels of corn as payment. Angry, Abner sues De Spain but loses. The judge lowers the amount to ten bushels, but Abner still feels insulted.

The Burning and Sarty’s Escape:

          That night, Sarty realizes his father plans to burn De Spain’s barn. His mother tries to stop him, but Sarty runs to warn De Spain. As he escapes, he hears gunshots and knows his father is likely dead.

Conclusion:

          Sarty walks away into the dark, crying but free. He has finally chosen truth and justice over his father’s cruelty. The story shows his painful growth from a frightened boy into a brave young man.