The Task is an epic poem consisting of six books, each concerning a different subject. Humorously, the subject of Cowper's first book is a sofa. This is because a friend of his challenged him to write a whole poem using the sofa as an inspiration. This poem is therefore concerned with the mundane, and the meaning that can be found in everyday objects.
This epic poem has been compared to John Milton's Paradise Lost, with its meditative tone and in-depth subject matter about the meaning of life. Within his books, Cowper analyses everything from religious beliefs, to abolitionism. Overall, religion is a key concern of Cowper's, which is expected given the time this poem was written.
Writers such as Wordsworth have cited Cowper as an inspiration, drawing on his depiction of the natural world. Like Wordsworth, Cowper depicts the natural world as being a place of escape and comfort for the poet, a place where someone can relax in solitude away from the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Ultimately, his depiction of nature cannot be separated from religious beliefs, as he depicts nature as God's greatest creation, and somewhere where people can truly connect with their maker.
