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Analysis of "When I Consider How My Light Is Spent" (John Mi
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Analysis of "When I Consider How My Light Is Spent" (John Milton)
Kylee Carrier
Popular Works:
Paradise Lost (epic poem, 1667)
Lycidas (elegy, 1638)
Paradise Regained (epic poem, 1671)
Class Discussion:
John Milton:
The internal dialogue conflicts with Christ and is promptly abrupt with the term, "Patience." What is patience commonly associated with? Could this be an underlying metaphor? Why is it personified?
"When I Consider How My Light Is Spent"
Arguably the most unique poet of the seventeenth century, John Milton was born on December 9, 1608. Throughout his career, Milton began to lose his vision from unknown circumstances - suffering complete loss of vision by 1652. Ironically, he wrote his most popular work after becoming blind.
John Milton died on November 8, 1674.
(poetryfoundation.org)
"Who best Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best." 'Yoke' is a term for a crosspiece placed on animals to plow. Thoughts?
What Does the "Light" Symbolize in the Poem? Discussion:
"Light" is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize life:
"When I consider how my light is spent," could be interpreted as the subject pondering about how effectively the speaker has lived his life according to God. However, an alternative idea suggests that "light" could be a symbol of Milton's blindness - wondering if the speaker's presence is needed in God's afterlife.
Gist of the Poem
Versification
Subject uses metaphors of light to represent his conflicts with Christ:
"When I consider how my light is spent,/Ere half my days in this dark world and wide," conveys the message that the subject may die at any moment.
Internal conflict arises when subject questions God's methods, "To serve therewith my Maker, and present/My true account, lest He returning chide"
-Classical (17th century) poem.
-Follows basic Sonnet structure with slight variations ("When I consider..." does not fit scheme).
-Iambic pentameter
Wrap-Up:
- Speaker wonders if he is needed for God. Concerned for the meaning of his life.
- Speaker doubts and questions Christ's motives, but 'Patience,' as a personified version of advice and guidance, reassures the speaker's need in His Kingdom.
-God's need is for those who are content with their lives even with difficulties and challenges
-Everyone has a purpose - even those with disabilities.
Works Cited:
Essberger, Josef. "They Also Serve." English
Club. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
<https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Sayings/Patience/They_also_serve_who_only_stand_and_wait_911.htm>.
"John Milton." Poetry Foundation. Ed. Thomas H. Luxon. Poetry Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 Feb. 2017.
<https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poets/detail/john-milton>.