Banumathi K's Literature Insights : November 2025

November 18, 2025

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.

November 15, 2025

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.

November 08, 2025

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.

November 06, 2025

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.