Milton's When I Consider
John Milton's "When I consider how my light is spent" chronicles the poet'sspiritual journey as well as his struggle with physical blindness. Lightconveys a dual meaning in this sonnet: it signifies Milton's eyesight andsymbolizes spiritual "light." Moreover, "light" also refers to the poet'slife, as he reflects on the quality of his service to God; in fact, "how mylight is spent" sounds remarkably similar to "how my life is spent." AsMilton reflects on how his light was spent, feelings of religious doubtprevail, culminating in a question posed directly to God. The sonnet'sstructure is ideal for the question-and-answer session with God: the firsteight lines, or the octave, establish the poet's feelings of doubt; whilethe final six lines, or sestet, serve as God's response. Milton's diction,tone, and style in this poem suit the lofty subject matter of a dialoguewith God; moreover, symbolism of light and darkness aptly convey the In the octave of the sonnet, Milton introduces the fundament
God replies to Milton's doubt: "God does not need / Eitherman's work or his own gifts: who best / Bear his mild yoke, they serve himbest," (9-11). Milton's self-doubt reaches a crescendo when he boldly and "fondly,"asks, "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied'" (7). al natureof his doubt, wondering whether or not he can serve God properly. At theoutset, Milton refers to his growing blind as it relates to his ability touse his gifts as a poet: "And that one talent which is death to hide /Lod'g with me useless," (3-4). The sestet of "When I consider how my life was spent" offers asatisfying conclusion to the spiritual conundrum faced by the John Milton. As sensory darknessencroaches on him, Milton wonders whether his light-filled days had beenspent fruitfully enough and whether he can be of any use to God without hiseyesight. The poem displays an intimacywith his Creator indicating Milton's honest devotion to the spiritual life. God urges Milton to be humble and know that he need not toil "at day-labor,light denied," (7). God's judgment is simpler than the humandevices that measure self-worth. However, Milton assumes that his poetryis the only means by which he can properly serve God; he views his talentsas a spiritual obligation and as a personal necessity. God replies swiftly, in a "murmur," (9). To convey these lofty spiritual messages,Milton weaves symbolism of light and darkness into the poem, for lightequates with truth and knowledge while darkness equals doubt and ignorance. The pursuit of human ambitions does not equal spiritual endeavors. Milton has asserted that his true purpose is "to servetherewith my Maker," with his poetry (5). In other words, man's mundane occupations are not of concernto God.
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