“When I Consider How My Light Is Spent” is a work of which author?

Prepare for the ETS Major Field Test in British Literature. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Boost your confidence for exam day!

The poem "When I Consider How My Light Is Spent" is authored by John Milton. This work, also known as "Sonnet 19," addresses themes of blindness, faith, and the value of personal contributions to society, particularly after the speaker has experienced a significant loss—the loss of sight. Milton wrote the poem after he went blind, reflecting on how his artistic abilities were affected and contemplating how he can still serve God despite his limitations.

Milton's distinctive style, characterized by its rich imagery and profound philosophical questions, can be clearly seen in this sonnet. The use of the Petrarchan sonnet form further illustrates Milton's mastery of poetic structure, as he explores the tension between despair and hope, concluding with the affirmation of faith and the belief that one's service to God can continue in various forms.

Other authors listed, such as John Bunyan, Andrew Marvell, and Robert Herrick, have notable works in English literature but do not have any connection to this particular poem or its themes. Bunyan is best known for "The Pilgrim's Progress," Marvell for his metaphysical poetry, and Herrick for his lyric poems, which, while all significant in their own right, do not relate to the specific stylist

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