Cowper-wrote "The Task" because his patron asked him to write about a sofa. He was crazy; had bouts of insanity throughout his life. Insane the last four years.
 
 

Line 120, tells what he eats when he’s roaming through the woods. It tastes bad because he’s use to eating "culinary" foods
 
 

Line 131, as we age, life takes away stuff you’d like to keep
 
 

Line 749, God made country; man made town. He prefers country.
 
 

BookII, Line 40

Slaves cannot breathe in England

Slavery not abolished until 1807; remained in colonies until 1833

Beginning of abolishment of slavery. Ideal of freedom is a myth.

He was wounded (deer) and Jesus made him whole.