“Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

“Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton was first published in 1673 in a collection titled “Poems, &c. upon Several Occasions.” The sonnet grapples with Milton’s blindness and his struggle to reconcile his disability with his sense of duty to God. The poem is notable for its poignant exploration of faith, doubt, and acceptance, particularly in the face of adversity. Milton’s use of the sonnet form is masterful, with his language and imagery evoking a sense of both personal turmoil and spiritual resolution. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of loss, purpose, and the search for meaning in life’s challenges.

Text: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Annotations: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Line	Annotation
When I consider how my light is spent,	The speaker reflects on how their talents and abilities are being used. “Light” refers to their inner strength and potential.
Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,	The speaker feels they have already wasted half their life in a world full of darkness and uncertainty.
And that one Talent which is death to hide	The speaker has a unique gift or talent that they must use, or risk losing it and facing spiritual death.
Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent	The speaker feels their talent is going to waste, despite their desire to use it for good.
To serve therewith my Maker, and present	The speaker wants to use their talent to serve God and fulfill their purpose.
My true account, lest he returning chide;	The speaker fears being judged by God for not using their talent.
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”	The speaker asks if God demands constant work and service, even when one’s abilities are limited.
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent	The speaker is reassured by patience, which helps them avoid complaining.
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need	Patience reminds the speaker that God doesn’t need human effort or talent.
Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best	What matters most is accepting God’s will and serving with humility.
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best.	Those who accept God’s guidance and authority serve Him best.
His state	God’s nature and kingdom are…
Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed	…regal and powerful, with countless servants obeying His commands.
And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:	These servants work tirelessly, traversing the world without ceasing.
They also serve who only stand and wait.”	Even those who seem idle or waiting are still serving God in their own way.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Literary/Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Allusion	“That one Talent which is death to hide”	Reference to the Biblical parable of the talents.
Anaphora	“And that one Talent which is death to hide”	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses.
Assonance	“Though my Soul more bent“	Repetition of vowel sounds for melodic effect.
Consonance	“They also serve who only stand and wait”	Repetition of consonant sounds for harmony.
Enjambment	“My true account, lest he returning chide;”	Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, creating flow.
Hyperbole	“In this dark world and wide”	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Metaphor	“That one Talent which is death to hide”	Comparison between the talent and death, suggesting the gravity of wasting one’s abilities.
Parallelism	“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”	Presentation of contrasting ideas in parallel structure, highlighting internal struggle.
Personification	“patience, to prevent / That murmur, soon replies”	Attribution of human-like qualities to patience.
Repetition	“They also serve who only stand and wait.”	Repeated phrase for emphasis on different forms of service to God.
Rhetorical Question	“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”	Question posed for effect, not requiring an answer but highlighting doubt and contemplation.
Simile	“His state / Is Kingly.”	Comparison between God’s state and royalty, using “Is Kingly” for emphasis.
Symbolism	“my light”	Symbolic representation of both literal vision and the speaker’s abilities or talents.
Synecdoche	“And that one Talent which is death to hide”	Use of a part (one talent) to represent the whole (all abilities).
Tone	Varies throughout the poem	Reflects shifts in the speaker’s attitude and emotions.
Tricolon	“And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:”	Presentation of three parallel elements for emphasis on ceaseless service to God.
Volta	Transition from questioning to acceptance	Marks the turning point in the poem where the speaker shifts from doubt to resignation.
Imagery	“in this dark world and wide”	Vivid description evoking the vast and challenging nature of the world.
Irony	“They also serve who only stand and wait.”	Twist in meaning, suggesting waiting and patience as a form of service despite the speaker’s doubt.

Themes: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

• Theme 1: The struggle with self-doubt and purpose
  The speaker grapples with feelings of inadequacy and worry about not using their talents effectively (“When I consider how my light is spent” – line 1). They fear wasting their potential and facing divine judgment (“Lest he returning chide” – line 6). This inner turmoil reflects the human struggle to find purpose and make the most of one’s abilities.
• Theme 2: The tension between human effort and divine will
  The speaker questions whether God demands constant work and service, even when one’s abilities are limited (“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” – line 7). Patience responds by emphasizing that God doesn’t need human effort or talent (“God doth not need / Either man’s work or his own gifts” – lines 9-10). This theme highlights the balance between human endeavor and surrender to divine will.
• Theme 3: The value of humility and acceptance
  The poem emphasizes the importance of humility and acceptance in serving God (“Who best / Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best” – lines 11-12). Even those who seem idle or waiting are still serving God in their own way (“They also serve who only stand and wait” – line 14). This theme encourages readers to embrace their circumstances and trust in divine guidance.
• Theme 4: The power and majesty of God
  The poem describes God’s kingdom as “Kingly” and powerful, with countless servants obeying His commands (“His state / Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed” – lines 12-13). This theme showcases the awe-inspiring nature of God and the speaker’s reverence for His authority.

Literary Theories and “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Literary Theory	Application to Sonnet 19	References from the Poem
Puritan Work Ethic	The poem reflects the Puritan emphasis on using one’s talents and time wisely, as the speaker worries about wasting their “light” and fears divine judgment.	“When I consider how my light is spent” (line 1), “Lest he returning chide” (line 6)
Christian Allegory	The poem can be seen as an allegory for the Christian struggle to serve God and fulfill one’s purpose, with the “Talent” representing spiritual gifts and the “dark world and wide” symbolizing the challenges of faith.	“And that one Talent which is death to hide” (line 3), “To serve therewith my Maker” (line 5)
Existential Crisis	The speaker’s introspection and self-doubt reflect an existential crisis, as they question their purpose and the value of their actions, ultimately finding reassurance in patience and trust in divine will.	“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” (line 7), “They also serve who only stand and wait” (line 14)

Critical Questions about “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

• How does Milton’s use of the Biblical allusion to the parable of the talents in “Sonnet 19: When I consider” contribute to the speaker’s contemplation of personal worth and divine expectations?
• The line “And that one Talent which is death to hide” echoes the parable’s message of stewardship and accountability, where individuals are entrusted with talents by their master and are expected to use them wisely. By likening the unused talent to death, Milton emphasizes the gravity of failing to utilize one’s abilities effectively, suggesting that such neglect is tantamount to wasting one’s life. This allusion underscores the speaker’s deep sense of concern over whether their inability to fully utilize their talents aligns with God’s expectations, prompting a profound existential questioning of their purpose and value in relation to divine will (Milton, line 3).
• How does Milton employ the motif of light and darkness to convey the speaker’s internal conflict and spiritual journey in “Sonnet 19”?
• Throughout the poem, Milton intertwines the imagery of “light” and “darkness” to symbolize both physical vision and the illumination of one’s talents or abilities. The phrase “When I consider how my light is spent” juxtaposes the loss of literal sight with the metaphorical loss of purpose or usefulness. This imagery of light gradually expands to encompass broader themes of spiritual enlightenment and divine guidance. The contrast between “light” and “darkness” reflects the speaker’s inner turmoil as they grapple with feelings of inadequacy and doubt, yet ultimately find solace in the belief that even in moments of darkness, there exists the potential for spiritual enlightenment and service to God (Milton, lines 1-2).
• In what ways does Milton explore the concept of service and devotion to God in “Sonnet 19,” particularly in the face of perceived limitations or disabilities?
• The poem delves into the notion of service to God beyond traditional notions of labor or action, highlighting the significance of internal disposition and faithfulness of heart. The speaker expresses a desire to serve their Maker, despite feeling hindered by physical or perceived limitations. Through the rhetorical question “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” the speaker grapples with the idea of whether God requires visible, tangible acts of service, such as labor or productivity, even when one’s abilities are constrained. However, the poem ultimately asserts that true service to God transcends physical constraints, as reflected in the concluding statement, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This suggests that even in moments of apparent inactivity or waiting, individuals can demonstrate their devotion to God through patient faith and steadfastness of spirit (Milton, lines 7-14).
• How does Milton navigate the tension between individual agency and divine sovereignty in “Sonnet 19,” particularly in the context of the speaker’s struggle with personal limitations?
• The poem grapples with the complex interplay between human agency and divine providence, highlighting the speaker’s internal conflict over whether their perceived limitations are compatible with God’s expectations. The rhetorical question “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?” encapsulates this tension, as the speaker questions whether God demands labor and productivity even when one’s abilities are impaired. However, the poem ultimately reconciles this tension by asserting that God does not depend on human effort or abilities to accomplish His will. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the attitude of the heart and the willingness to submit to God’s sovereignty, as expressed in the concluding assertion that “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This suggests that while individuals may feel limited in their abilities, they can still serve God faithfully by accepting their circumstances and trusting in His divine plan (Milton, lines 7-14).

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
The Significance of Divine Expectations	How does Milton’s use of Biblical allusion shape the speaker’s contemplation?	Milton employs Biblical allusion to underscore the gravity of failing to utilize one’s talents effectively, prompting the speaker’s profound existential questioning of divine expectations.
The Symbolism of Light and Darkness	How does Milton use imagery to convey the speaker’s internal conflict?	Through the motif of light and darkness, Milton portrays the speaker’s struggle with feelings of inadequacy and doubt, ultimately finding solace in the potential for spiritual enlightenment.
The Nature of Service and Devotion to God	In what ways does the poem explore the concept of service beyond physical labor?	Milton delves into the notion of service as an expression of faithfulness of heart, asserting that true devotion transcends physical constraints, even in moments of apparent inactivity or waiting.
Individual Agency and Divine Sovereignty	How does Milton navigate the tension between human agency and divine providence?	Milton grapples with the complex interplay between individual limitations and divine sovereignty, ultimately asserting that true service to God lies in accepting one’s circumstances and trusting in His plan.

Literary Works Similar to “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

1. “Ode to Duty” by William Wordsworth: This poem explores the theme of duty and moral obligation, similar to how Milton’s sonnet delves into the concept of service and devotion to God.
2. “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot: While structurally different from a traditional sonnet, Eliot’s poem also grapples with existential themes, spiritual emptiness, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world.
3. “A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman: Like Milton’s sonnet, Whitman’s poem explores themes of purpose and perseverance, using the imagery of a spider to convey the poet’s search for meaning and connection in the vast universe.
4. “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost: While not directly related to spiritual themes, Frost’s poem delves into questions of boundaries, limitations, and the human condition, resonating with the introspective tone of Milton’s sonnet.

Suggested Readings: “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Books:

• Fish, Stanley. How Milton Works. Harvard University Press, 2001.
• Lewalski, Barbara K. The Life of John Milton: A Critical Biography. Blackwell, 2000.
• Rumrich, John Peter. Milton Unbound: Controversy and Reinterpretation. Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Articles:

• Teskey, Gordon. “Milton’s Choice of the Italian Sonnet.” Studies in English Literature, vol. 46, no. 1, 2006, pp. 77-97.

Websites:

• Poetry Foundation. “Sonnet 19: When I consider…” https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44750/sonnet-19-when-i-consider-how-my-light-is-spent
• Dartmouth College. “Milton Reading Room.”

Representative Quotations from “Sonnet 19: When I consider” by John Milton

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Concept
“When I consider how my light is spent”	This opening line reflects the speaker’s contemplation of their own situation, pondering the use of their talents.	Existentialism: The poem explores existential themes of purpose and value.
“And that one Talent which is death to hide”	Here, the speaker reflects on the weightiness of their unutilized talent, comparing it to the consequence of death.	Symbolism: The talent symbolizes both literal sight and personal abilities.
“Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”	This rhetorical question reveals the speaker’s doubt regarding God’s expectations in light of their physical limitations.	Theodicy: The question addresses the problem of suffering and divine justice.
“They also serve who only stand and wait.”	The concluding line asserts the value of patient faithfulness, suggesting that even in inactivity, one can serve God.	Duty Ethics: Emphasizes the importance of faithful service regardless of circumstance.
“And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest”	Describing the tireless service of others, this line contrasts with the speaker’s own perceived limitations and inactivity.	Social Comparison Theory: Highlights the speaker’s comparison with others.