Question

Meanings and Explanations
(1) When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days, ir this dark world and wide,
And that one talent, which is death to hide,
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He, returning chide.​

Answer 1

Answer:

At first glance it might seem that Milton is being metaphorical in this sonnet, but looking back at the historical factors of when he wrote this shows that he is talking about the literal lack of light in his life now that he is blind when he speaks of “how [his] light is spent” and that now his world is very literally dark for him