ENG 214 Final, Spring 2008

English 214 __ Final exam Time allowed: 2 hours Answer question | and any other question: 1. Give a full critical analysis of the poem given below. When I Consider How My Light Is Spent! When I consider how my light is spent, Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide. And that one talent which is death to hide? Lodged with me useless, though my sou] more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide; “Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?” I fondly ask; but Patience to prevent? That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest: They also serve who only stand and wait.” aa With what reason is the Renaissance Sonnet seen as the glory of English poetry? Throughout his creative life we can see Donne as an extremely passionate poet. Discuss this passion with reference to poems taken from three periods of Donne’s life.