John Milton's "When I consider how my light is spent" chronicles the poet's
             spiritual journey as well as his struggle with physical blindness. Light
             conveys a dual meaning in this sonnet: it signifies Milton's eyesight and
             symbolizes spiritual "light." Moreover, "light" also refers to the poet's
             life, as he reflects on the quality of his service to God; in fact, "how my
             light is spent" sounds remarkably similar to "how my life is spent." As
             Milton reflects on how his light was spent, feelings of religious doubt
             prevail, culminating in a question posed directly to God. The sonnet's
             structure is ideal for the question-and-answer session with God: the first
             eight lines, or the octave, establish the poet's feelings of doubt; while
             the 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 dialogue
             with God; moreover, symbolism of light and darkness aptly convey the
             In the octave of the sonnet, Milton introduces the fundamental nature
             of his doubt, wondering whether or not he can serve God properly. At the
             outset, Milton refers to his growing blind as it relates to his ability to
             use his gifts as a poet: "And that one talent which is death to hide
             Lod'g with me useless," (3-4). In the first few lines, the poet has already
             established his failing eyesight, which impacts his ability to write: "half
             my days in this dark world," (2). However, Milton assumes that his poetry
             is the only means by which he can properly serve God; he views his talents
             as a spiritual obligation and as a personal necessity. As sensory darkness
             encroaches on him, Milton wonders whether his light-filled days had been
             spent fruitfully enough and whether he can be of any use to God without his
             Milton's self-doubt reaches a crescendo when he boldly and "fondly,"
             asks, "Doth God exact day-labor, light denied'" (7).
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