Mortality and Purpose: A Comparative Analysis of 'When I Have Fears' and 'On His Blindness'

Shaista Kazim; Muhammad Ali Shahid; Noureen Aslam; Ayesha Hameed

Shaista Kazim Lecturer, department of English Language and Literature University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus.
Muhammad Ali Shahid Lecturer, Department of English Language and Literature University of Lahore, Sargodha Campus.
Noureen Aslam Leturer, Department of English Language & Literature at University of Gujrat, Mandi Campus.
Ayesha Hameed Scholar, Department of English Language and Literature University of Lahore Sargodha Campus.

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the thematic elements and biographical factors present in John Milton's "On His Blindness" and John Keats' "When I Have Fears That I May Cease to Be." The study aimed to gain insight into how the poets' personal experiences influenced their portrayal of themes such as mortality, unfulfilled potential, and divine providence, using a comparative analysis. The research focuses on the importance of biographical background in literary criticism, particularly in understanding how personal experiences and conflicts influence poetic expression. Biographical criticism is a theoretical approach that examines the connection between a writer's personal life and their literary works. The findings indicate that Keats's awareness of his imminent death and Milton's blindness significantly shaped their respective thematic preoccupations. Keats focused on the apprehension of unfulfilled potential, while Milton explored the concept of serving God despite personal limitations. The study's implications encompass an enhanced understanding of the poetry of Keats and Milton, as well as a more profound insight into the influence of biographical elements on literary themes. Furthermore, it enhances the field of biographical criticism by providing a structure for analysing how personal experiences shape literary creations. The findings offer valuable insights for scholars and educators investigating the subject and emphasise the need for further research on the influence of personal experiences in literature.