Milton and the Servant: Milton’s Use of the Bible in his Sonnet XIX
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This paper intends to show how Milton’s Sonnet XIX, “When Iconsider how my light is spent,” is enhanced by his skillfulintermingling of biblical images, expecially the sustained image of theservant. Biblical references are everywhere, giving the sonnet compactorganic unity. For examples, the opening phrase of the sonnet, “WhenI consider,” recalls similar phrasing in Psalm 8:3-4, “When I consider,” and the same plea, found in Samson Agonistes (lines 667 ff.), underlies the poet’s search for the cause of his blindness and forms an integral part of his vexation over the great problem of being. And, the mercantile imagery in the octave works for the theme of the sonnet since a trusted servant in biblical times as well as a servant in the seventeenth century could be expected to be involved in the business interests of his master. The mercantile ideas do not seem to tie into the sonnet unless viewed as duties to be performed by a servant. Also, since the word “murmur” indicates displeasure, grumbling or discontentwith God’s provisions in Exodus and again in John, Patience’s prevention of any murmuring of the poet gives the sonnet a greater depth of meaning. Moreover, the extensive use of first person singular pronouns in the octave of the sonnet shows Milton’s personal views of serving God, whereas the sestet, employing only third person pronouns and the relative pronoun, covers that which is expected by God and the way in which the service is to be performed. Thus, the sonnet contains the theme, not of quiet resignation and defeat, but of determination of the servant. Milton in the chastened mood discovered the strength that lay in his weakness, exultantly perceiving that likeGod's most favoured angels “who only stand and wait.”
Abstract
This paper intends to show how Milton’s Sonnet XIX, “When Iconsider how my light is spent,” is enhanced by his skillfulintermingling of biblical images, expecially the sustained image of theservant. Biblical references are everywhere, giving the sonnet compactorganic unity. For examples, the opening phrase of the sonnet, “WhenI consider,” recalls similar phrasing in Psalm 8:3-4, “When I consider,” and the same plea, found in Samson Agonistes (lines 667 ff.), underlies the poet’s search for the cause of his blindness and forms an integral part of his vexation over the great problem of being. And, the mercantile imagery in the octave works for the theme of the sonnet since a trusted servant in biblical times as well as a servant in the seventeenth century could be expected to be involved in the business interests of his master. The mercantile ideas do not seem to tie into the sonnet unless viewed as duties to be performed by a servant. Also, since the word “murmur” indicates displeasure, grumbling or discontentwith God’s provisions in Exodus and again in John, Patience’s prevention of any murmuring of the poet gives the sonnet a greater depth of meaning. Moreover, the extensive use of first person singular pronouns in the octave of the sonnet shows Milton’s personal views of serving God, whereas the sestet, employing only third person pronouns and the relative pronoun, covers that which is expected by God and the way in which the service is to be performed. Thus, the sonnet contains the theme, not of quiet resignation and defeat, but of determination of the servant. Milton in the chastened mood discovered the strength that lay in his weakness, exultantly perceiving that likeGod's most favoured angels “who only stand and wait.”
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