" In this poem, the speaker's ability is the art of words, yet he can no longer continue that ability due to blindness. Thus, the speaker questions whether God expects him to carry out his talent based on the permanent ailment, and finally realizes that God is not a burden, "Who best / Bear His mild yoke, they serve him best"(10-11). Furthermore, the speaker realizes that God's acceptance is not gained through a burdensome process, and also that the process as a whole is unnecessary, for God's acceptance is attainable to those who put forth effort as well as those who just simply wait.
This poem serves as a literal reflection on the man's current situation, and instead of this sonnet providing a resolution, it rather mocks God's "kingly nature" and deduces the notion that effort to please God is a waste. "They also serve who only stand and wait"(14) confirms the speaker's decision to be like those who do not overexert themselves. This line is a mockery towards God, for in lines 11-12 the speaker refers to God as "kingly" with thousands of followers, yet the speaker plans to just "wait" knowing that his talent of writing is not necessary to please God. At the beginning of the poem, the speaker feels bitterness and hatred towards God because of his blindness, yet he hopes to make the effort to expose his abilities to the fullest possible extent, "though my soul more bent / To serve therewith my Maker, and present / My true account, lest Her returning chide"(4-6). However, through cunning word choice by Milton, the speaker "fondly" asks if God expects him to write when he cannot see anymore, fondly in this context meaning "foolishly." Thus it is revealed that the speaker already doubts God, and the fact that he can now "wait" without physically serving God is almost his way of giving up due to the misfortunate blindness that he holds God accountable.
Throughout this sonnet, Milton incorporates dramatic irony, showing the incongruity between what the speaker apparently perceives and what the author intends the reader to perceive to reveal the speaker's true intentions.
