“On Time” by John Milton
Complete Poem Analysis include Line-by-Line and Stanza-Wise Paraphrasing, Central Ideas, Summaries, Literary and Poetic Devices, Important Questions (SAQs & LAQs), MCQs, and Vocabulary of Difficult Words.
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1. Original Readings (text) of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
2. Line by line Paraphrasing of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
🔹 Stanza -1: (Line by Line Paraphrasing)
1️⃣ Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race;
👉 The poet tells Time, which he considers jealous, to move quickly until it finishes its course.
2️⃣ Call on the lazy leaden-stepping hours,
👉 He asks Time to bring along the slow-moving hours that pass very heavily.
3️⃣ Whose speed is but the heavy plummet's pace;
👉 These hours move as slowly as a heavy piece of metal falling down.
4️⃣ And glut thyself with what thy womb devours,
👉 Time is told to consume and destroy everything it creates.
5️⃣ Which is no more than what is false and vain,
👉 The poet says that all these things are temporary and meaningless.
6️⃣ And merely mortal dross;
👉 They are just worthless material related to human life.
7️⃣ So little is our loss,
👉 Therefore, humans do not lose much when these things disappear.
8️⃣ So little is thy gain.
👉 And Time does not gain anything important by destroying them.
🔹 Stanza -2:
9️⃣ For when as each thing bad thou hast entombed,
👉 When Time has buried all the bad and evil things,
🔟 And last of all, thy greedy self consumed,
👉 And finally destroys itself as well,
1️⃣1️⃣ Then long Eternity shall greet our bliss
👉 After that, endless eternity will welcome us with happiness,
1️⃣2️⃣ With an individual kiss;
👉 It will warmly and personally greet every soul.
1️⃣3️⃣ And Joy shall overtake us as a flood,
👉 Happiness will surround us completely like a powerful flood.
1️⃣4️⃣ When everything that is sincerely good
👉 When all things that are truly good,
1️⃣5️⃣ And perfectly divine,
👉 And completely pure and divine,
1️⃣6️⃣ With Truth, and Peace, and Love shall ever shine
👉 Along with truth, peace, and love will shine forever,
1️⃣7️⃣ About the supreme Throne
👉 Around the throne of God,
1️⃣8️⃣ Of Him, to whose happy-making sight alone,
👉 Whose presence alone gives true happiness,
1️⃣9️⃣ When once our heavenly-guided soul shall climb,
👉 When our soul, guided by heaven, rises upwards,
2️⃣0️⃣ Then, all this earthly grossness quit,
👉 It will leave behind all worldly impurities,
2️⃣1️⃣ Attired with stars, we shall for ever sit,
👉 And dressed in heavenly beauty, we will live forever,
2️⃣2️⃣ Triumphing over Death, and Chance, and thee, O Time.
👉 We will defeat death, fate, and even Time itself.
Stanza-wise paraphrasing of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
Original lines:
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza, the poet directly addresses Time and calls it jealous, urging it to move as fast as possible and complete its journey. He describes Time as something that works with slow and heavy hours, comparing their movement to a falling weight, which emphasizes how dull and dragging time can feel. The poet tells Time to go ahead and destroy everything it has created, but he also makes it clear that these things are not valuable because they are temporary, false, and connected only to mortal life. According to him, worldly possessions and experiences are like useless material that do not truly matter. Therefore, when Time destroys them, humans do not suffer a real loss, and at the same time, Time itself does not achieve anything meaningful. This shows the poet’s belief that earthly life is not as important as it seems.
Original lines:
Paraphrasing:
In this stanza, the poet looks forward to a time when Time itself will come to an end after destroying all evil and negative things in the world. He imagines that once Time is finished, eternity will begin, bringing true happiness and peace to human souls. Eternity is described as something welcoming and comforting, almost like it personally greets each individual with love. The poet explains that in this eternal state, joy will surround people completely, and everything that is truly good, pure, and divine will exist forever. Qualities like truth, peace, and love will shine brightly in the presence of God. He further says that when the human soul rises toward this divine state, it will leave behind all the impurities and limitations of earthly life. In this higher existence, humans will become pure and eternal, symbolically “dressed with stars,” and will live forever. In the end, the poet triumphantly declares that humans will overcome death, fate, and even Time itself, achieving eternal victory and happiness.
4. Central Ideas of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
Central Idea:
1. The central idea of the poem is that Time, though powerful in the physical world, is ultimately weak and temporary compared to eternity and spiritual truth. The poet presents Time as something that destroys all worldly things, but he argues that these things are already meaningless and short-lived. He believes that material life is full of false values and has no lasting importance. Therefore, when Time destroys such things, it does not cause any real loss to humans. Instead, the poet emphasizes that true happiness lies beyond time, in the eternal world. He expresses strong faith that one day Time itself will come to an end. After that, eternity will begin, where truth, peace, and love will exist forever. The poet also highlights that the human soul has a divine nature and can rise above worldly limitations. In the end, he confidently declares that humans will defeat Time, death, and fate, achieving everlasting joy and spiritual victory.
2. The central idea of the poem is to show the contrast between temporary worldly life and everlasting spiritual existence. The poet challenges Time and tells it to continue its destructive work, but he makes it clear that it can only affect material things, which are already unimportant. He suggests that all earthly pleasures and achievements are temporary and have no real value. The poet believes that humans should not fear Time because it cannot touch the soul or eternal truth. He expresses hope and confidence in a future where Time will be destroyed, and eternity will take its place. In that eternal state, goodness, purity, truth, peace, and love will shine forever. The poet also shows that the human soul, guided by divine power, will rise above all worldly impurities. Ultimately, he presents a message of hope that humans will overcome all limitations and live forever in a state of perfect happiness and divine peace.
5. Summaries of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
Summary:
1. The poem describes Time as a powerful force that controls and destroys everything in the world, but the poet does not fear it. Instead, he challenges Time to move faster and finish its work. He explains that all the things Time destroys are temporary, false, and not truly valuable. According to him, these worldly things are like useless materials that do not deserve importance. Therefore, humans do not lose anything meaningful when Time takes them away. In the second part of the poem, the poet imagines a future when Time itself will end after destroying everything bad. At that moment, eternity will begin, bringing true happiness and peace. The poet describes eternity as a state where goodness, truth, love, and peace exist forever. He believes that the human soul will rise above the physical world and leave behind all impurities. In the end, humans will achieve victory over Time, death, and fate, and will live forever in a divine and joyful state.
2. In this poem, the poet presents Time as something that appears strong but is actually limited and temporary. He encourages Time to continue its journey and destroy everything in the world, but he also points out that these things are not important because they are short-lived. The poet believes that material life is full of illusions and has no lasting value. He explains that Time cannot harm what is truly important, such as the human soul and spiritual truth. As the poem progresses, he expresses hope that Time will eventually destroy itself after completing its task. Then, eternity will begin, bringing endless joy and peace to human beings. In this eternal world, only goodness, truth, love, and divine beauty will remain. The poet also highlights that the soul will rise above earthly life and become pure and everlasting. Finally, he concludes that humans will overcome all limitations and achieve eternal happiness beyond Time.
6. Literary / Poetic Devices Used in the Poem “On Time” by John Milton:
1. Apostrophe
Definition: Addressing an absent or non-living thing directly.
Example: “Fly, envious Time…”
Effect: Makes Time feel like a living force and adds emotional intensity.
2. Personification
Definition: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
Example: “Time… devours”
Effect: Presents Time as a powerful, destructive being.
3. Metaphor
Definition: A direct comparison without using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Mortal dross”
Effect: Shows worldly things as worthless and insignificant.
4. Simile
Definition: Comparison using “like” or “as.”
Example: “Joy shall overtake us as a flood”
Effect: Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of happiness.
5. Alliteration
Definition: Repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Example: “leaden-stepping”
Effect: Creates musical quality and emphasis.
6. Imagery
Definition: Language that appeals to the senses.
Example: “Attired with stars”
Effect: Creates a vivid picture of heavenly beauty.
7. Symbolism
Definition: Use of symbols to represent ideas.
Example: “Stars” symbolize eternity and purity
Effect: Deepens the spiritual meaning.
8. Hyperbole
Definition: Exaggeration for emphasis.
Example: “Joy… as a flood”
Effect: Highlights extreme happiness.
9. Irony
Definition: Contrast between expectation and reality.
Example: Time seems powerful but is defeated
Effect: Strengthens the theme of spiritual victory.
10. Enjambment
Definition: Continuation of a sentence without pause.
Example: Lines flowing into each other
Effect: Maintains rhythm and continuity.
11. Antithesis
Definition: Contrast of opposite ideas.
Example: Time vs Eternity
Effect: Highlights the poem’s central conflict.
12. Religious Allusion
Definition: Reference to religious ideas or beliefs.
Example: “supreme Throne”
Effect: Adds spiritual depth and meaning.
Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
1. Why does the poet call Time “envious”?
👉 The poet calls Time “envious” because it seems to destroy everything beautiful, valuable, and joyful in the world. It does not allow anything to remain forever and takes away happiness from human life.
2. What does “leaden-stepping hours” mean?
👉 “Leaden-stepping hours” means that time moves slowly and heavily, just like a piece of lead. It creates a feeling that time is dull, tiring, and difficult to pass.
3. What is meant by “mortal dross”?
👉 “Mortal dross” refers to the worthless and temporary things of worldly life. The poet suggests that material things have no lasting value and are not important.
4. Why does the poet say human loss is little?
👉 The poet says human loss is little because the things that Time destroys are already temporary and meaningless. Therefore, losing them does not cause real harm to human beings.
5. What will happen after Time ends?
👉 After Time ends, eternity will begin, bringing everlasting happiness, peace, and spiritual satisfaction. It will be a state where nothing is destroyed.
6. What does “individual kiss” suggest?
👉 The phrase “individual kiss” suggests a warm, personal, and loving welcome given to every soul in eternity. It shows care and closeness.
7. What qualities shine in eternity?
👉 In eternity, qualities like truth, peace, love, and goodness shine forever. These are pure and divine values that never fade away.
8. What happens to the human soul?
👉 The human soul rises above the physical world and leaves behind all worldly impurities. It becomes pure and moves toward a divine and eternal state.
9. What does “attired with stars” mean?
👉 “Attired with stars” means being dressed in heavenly beauty and purity. It symbolizes the soul becoming eternal and shining with divine glory.
10. What is the final message of the poem?
👉 The final message of the poem is that humans will ultimately defeat Time, death, and fate, and achieve eternal happiness and spiritual victory.
Long-Answer Questions of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
1. Explain the theme of the poem.
👉 The poem presents the idea that Time, though powerful in the physical world, is ultimately limited and temporary. The poet shows that Time destroys all worldly things, but these things are already meaningless and short-lived. He emphasizes that true value lies in eternity, where goodness, truth, and love exist forever. The poem highlights the superiority of spiritual life over material life. It also expresses hope that Time will end one day, and eternity will begin. In that state, humans will achieve everlasting happiness. The poet concludes that humans will overcome Time, death, and fate, gaining ultimate victory.
2. How does the poet personify Time?
👉 The poet presents Time as a living being with human qualities. He calls it “envious,” suggesting jealousy, and describes it as something that “devours,” showing its destructive nature. Time is also shown as greedy and powerful, controlling everything in the world. By personifying Time, the poet makes it more vivid and real for the reader. However, he also shows that despite its power, Time is not eternal. In the end, Time itself will be destroyed. This personification helps highlight the contrast between temporary Time and everlasting eternity.
3. What is the poet’s view about worldly life?
👉 The poet believes that worldly life is temporary, false, and meaningless. He describes it as “mortal dross,” meaning it has no real value. According to him, material possessions and achievements do not last and should not be considered important. He suggests that people should not feel sad when such things are lost because they are not truly valuable. Instead, he encourages focusing on spiritual life, which is eternal and meaningful. This view reflects his belief in the superiority of the soul over material existence.
4. Describe the concept of eternity in the poem.
👉 Eternity is presented as a state of everlasting happiness and peace. It begins after Time has ended and destroyed everything bad. In eternity, only good and divine qualities exist, such as truth, love, and peace. The poet describes it as welcoming and comforting, like a personal greeting. He believes that in eternity, humans will experience pure joy and spiritual fulfillment. It is also a place where the soul becomes free from worldly limitations. Thus, eternity represents perfection and eternal bliss.
5. How does the poet describe the soul’s journey?
👉 The poet describes the soul as something divine that rises above the physical world. Guided by heavenly power, the soul leaves behind all earthly impurities and limitations. It moves toward a higher, spiritual state where it becomes pure and eternal. The poet uses the phrase “attired with stars” to show the soul’s transformation into something beautiful and everlasting. This journey represents the soul’s victory over Time, death, and fate. It highlights the idea that the soul is immortal and destined for eternal happiness.
6. Explain the significance of “triumphing over Time.”
👉 “Triumphing over Time” means achieving victory over the limitations of life. Time represents change, decay, and death, but the poet believes that humans can overcome these through spiritual growth. By reaching eternity, humans escape the control of Time. This victory shows that the soul is stronger than Time. It also gives a message of hope and confidence. The poet wants readers to believe that eternal happiness is possible beyond the physical world.
7. What message does the poet convey through the poem?
👉 The poet conveys a message of hope and spiritual strength. He teaches that worldly life is temporary and should not be given too much importance. Instead, people should focus on eternal values like truth, love, and peace. He assures that Time, though powerful, will eventually end. After that, humans will enter eternity and experience everlasting happiness. The poem encourages faith in the soul’s immortality. It concludes with the idea that humans will ultimately defeat Time, death, and fate.
MCQs of the poem “On Time” by John Milton:
MCQ No. 1
What is Time called in the poem?
a) Kind
b) Envious
c) Gentle
d) Weak
Correct answer: b) Envious
Explanation: The poet describes Time as jealous and destructive.
MCQ No. 2
“Leaden-stepping hours” means:
a) Fast time
b) Slow time
c) Happy time
d) Short time
Correct answer: b) Slow time
Explanation: It shows time moving slowly and heavily.
MCQ No. 3
“Mortal dross” refers to:
a) Valuable things
b) Eternal life
c) Worthless worldly things
d) Spiritual truth
Correct answer: c) Worthless worldly things
Explanation: It shows the temporary nature of life.
MCQ No. 4
What follows after Time ends?
a) Death
b) Darkness
c) Eternity
d) Silence
Correct answer: c) Eternity
Explanation: The poet believes eternity begins after Time ends.
MCQ No. 5
What does “individual kiss” symbolize?
a) Fear
b) Punishment
c) Personal welcome
d) Loneliness
Correct answer: c) Personal welcome
Explanation: It shows a loving greeting in eternity.
MCQ No. 6
Which qualities shine forever?
a) Power and wealth
b) Truth, peace, and love
c) Fame and success
d) Strength and courage
Correct answer: b) Truth, peace, and love
Explanation: These are eternal values.
MCQ No. 7
“Attired with stars” suggests:
a) Darkness
b) Poverty
c) Divine beauty
d) Fear
Correct answer: c) Divine beauty
Explanation: It symbolizes purity and eternity.
MCQ No. 8
What does the poet believe about Time?
a) It is eternal
b) It is limited
c) It is kind
d) It is helpful
Correct answer: b) It is limited
Explanation: Time will eventually end.
MCQ No. 9
What will humans overcome?
a) Wealth
b) Nature
c) Time and death
d) Knowledge
Correct answer: c) Time and death
Explanation: The poem ends with victory over Time.
MCQ No. 10
Main theme of the poem is:
a) Love
b) War
c) Spiritual victory
d) Nature
Correct answer: c) Spiritual victory
Explanation: The poem focuses on eternal triumph.
10. Vocabulary of the difficult used in the poem ““On Time” by John Milton:
1. Envious
Meaning: Feeling jealousy
Synonyms: Jealous, resentful
Antonyms: Content, satisfied
Example: He was envious of his friend’s success.
2. Plummet
Meaning: A weight used for measuring depth
Synonyms: Weight, sinker
Antonyms: Rise, lift
Example: The stone fell like a plummet.
3. Dross
Meaning: Something worthless
Synonyms: Waste, rubbish
Antonyms: Treasure, value
Example: He threw away the dross.
4. Entombed
Meaning: Buried
Synonyms: Interred, enclosed
Antonyms: Freed, released
Example: The king was entombed in a pyramid.
5. Eternity
Meaning: Endless time
Synonyms: Forever, infinity
Antonyms: Moment, temporary
Example: Their memory will last for eternity.
6. Divine
Meaning: Related to God
Synonyms: Holy, sacred
Antonyms: Earthly, worldly
Example: The temple has a divine atmosphere.
7. Supreme
Meaning: Highest
Synonyms: Greatest, ultimate
Antonyms: Lowest, minor
Example: He holds supreme power.
8. Attired
Meaning: Dressed
Synonyms: Clothed, dressed
Antonyms: Undressed
Example: She was attired in white.
9. Triumphing
Meaning: Winning
Synonyms: Victory, success
Antonyms: Defeat, loss
Example: The team was triumphing in the match.
10. Grossness
Meaning: Impurity
Synonyms: Filth, corruption
Antonyms: Purity, cleanliness
Example: He disliked the grossness of the place.
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