Ben Jonson, a pivotal figure in English Renaissance literature, shaped drama and poetry during the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras. His career trajectory from actor to playwright to poet laureate reflects the evolving literary landscape of his time.

Jonson's works span various genres, showcasing his versatility and impact on English literature. His plays, poems, and masques demonstrate his classical learning, wit, and keen observation of human nature, establishing him as a literary giant of his era.

Life and career

• Ben Jonson's life and career spanned the late Elizabethan and early Jacobean eras, shaping English Renaissance literature
• His works and literary contributions influenced the development of English drama and poetry during this pivotal period
• Jonson's career trajectory from actor to playwright to poet laureate reflects the evolving literary landscape of his time

Early years and education

• Born in 1572 in Westminster, London, to a clergyman father who died before his birth
• Educated at Westminster School under renowned scholar William Camden, fostering his love for classical literature
• Briefly worked as a bricklayer in his stepfather's trade before joining the military and serving in Flanders
• Began his theatrical career as an actor and playwright for Philip Henslowe's acting company

Rise to literary prominence

• Achieved initial success with the comedy Every Man in His Humour (1598), performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men
• Faced controversy and imprisonment for his satirical play The Isle of Dogs (1597), co-written with Thomas Nashe
• Established himself as a leading dramatist with works like Volpone (1606) and The Alchemist (1610)
• Gained royal patronage and became a favorite at the court of King James I

Relationship with Shakespeare

• Collaborated with Shakespeare in the Lord Chamberlain's Men, developing a complex friendship and rivalry
• Praised Shakespeare in his poem To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author Mr. William Shakespeare
• Criticized Shakespeare's work, famously remarking on his "small Latin and less Greek"
• Engaged in friendly competition, with their plays often performed by the same acting companies

Role as poet laureate

• Appointed as the first official Poet Laureate of England by King James I in 1616
• Received an annual pension of 100 marks, later increased to £100 by King Charles I
• Composed masques and entertainments for the royal court as part of his laureate duties
• Used his position to advocate for the importance of poetry and drama in society

Major works

• Jonson's major works span various genres, showcasing his versatility as a writer and his impact on English literature
• His plays, poems, and masques demonstrate his classical learning, wit, and keen observation of human nature
• These works established Jonson as a literary giant of his time and continue to influence writers and scholars today

Poetry collections

• Epigrams (1616), a collection of short, witty poems addressing various subjects and individuals
• The Forest (1616), containing longer poems exploring themes of friendship, love, and mortality
• Underwoods (1640), a posthumously published collection featuring diverse poetic forms and subjects
• Includes notable poems like Song to Celia (Drink to me only with thine eyes) and On My First Son

Masques and entertainments

• The Masque of Blackness (1605), commissioned by Queen Anne of Denmark, exploring themes of race and beauty
• Hymenaei (1606), a wedding masque celebrating the marriage of the Earl of Essex and Frances Howard
• The Masque of Queens (1609), featuring powerful female characters from mythology and history
• Oberon, the Faery Prince (1611), a lavish production incorporating music, dance, and elaborate stage design

Comedies and tragedies

• Every Man in His Humour (1598), introducing Jonson's theory of humours in character development
• Volpone (1606), a satirical comedy exposing greed and deception in Venetian society
• The Alchemist (1610), a clever farce mocking human gullibility and the pursuit of easy wealth
• Bartholomew Fair (1614), a boisterous comedy set in a London fair, critiquing various social classes
• Sejanus His Fall (1603) and Catiline His Conspiracy (1611), Roman historical tragedies based on classical sources

Literary style

• Jonson's literary style is characterized by its adherence to classical principles and meticulous craftsmanship
• His works demonstrate a balance between erudition and popular appeal, blending scholarly references with sharp social commentary
• Jonson's style influenced generations of writers and helped shape the direction of English literature

Classical influences

• Extensive use of classical allusions and references to Greek and Roman literature
• Adherence to classical unities of time, place, and action in his plays (Volpone)
• Incorporation of classical rhetorical devices and figures of speech in his poetry and prose
• Adaptation of classical genres such as satire, epigram, and ode to English literary traditions

Wit and satire

• Employed biting satire to criticize social vices, pretensions, and human follies
• Developed complex wordplay and puns to create multiple layers of meaning in his works
• Used irony and sarcasm to expose hypocrisy and corruption in society and politics
• Created memorable characters whose names often reflect their dominant traits or vices (Volpone, Face, Sir Epicure Mammon)

Metrical precision

• Mastered various poetic forms, including the epigram, ode, and sonnet
• Employed precise metrical patterns in his verse, often using iambic pentameter with skillful variations
• Experimented with different rhyme schemes and stanza structures to suit the tone and subject of each poem
• Emphasized the importance of "laboured" art, revising and polishing his works to achieve perfection in form and content

Themes and subjects

• Jonson's works explore a wide range of themes that reflect the social, political, and cultural concerns of his time
• His keen observations of human nature and society provide insight into the complexities of Elizabethan and Jacobean England
• These themes continue to resonate with modern audiences, contributing to the enduring relevance of Jonson's works

Court and society

• Satirized the excesses and corruptions of courtly life in plays like Volpone and Epicene
• Explored the dynamics of power, patronage, and social climbing in the Jacobean court
• Critiqued the emerging consumer culture and materialism of London society (The Alchemist)
• Examined the tensions between traditional social hierarchies and new forms of social mobility

Morality and virtue

• Emphasized the importance of moral education and self-improvement in his works
• Created characters that embody various vices to illustrate the consequences of immoral behavior
• Explored the conflict between appearance and reality, particularly in relation to moral character
• Advocated for a balance between classical stoicism and Christian virtues in personal conduct

Art and patronage

• Reflected on the role of the artist in society and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity
• Addressed the complexities of the patron-artist relationship in poems and dedications
• Explored the tension between popular entertainment and high art in his plays and masques
• Advocated for the social and cultural importance of poetry and drama in his critical writings

Influence and legacy

• Ben Jonson's influence on English literature extends far beyond his own lifetime, shaping the development of drama, poetry, and literary criticism
• His works and ideas continue to be studied, performed, and debated by scholars and artists around the world
• Jonson's legacy encompasses both his direct impact on his contemporaries and his enduring influence on subsequent generations of writers

Impact on English literature

• Established a model for satirical comedy that influenced later playwrights like Molière and Wycherley
• Developed the comedy of humours, which influenced character development in English drama
• Popularized the country house poem genre with To Penshurst, inspiring poets like Robert Herrick and Andrew Marvell
• Contributed to the development of the English ode and the revival of classical forms in English poetry

Jonson's literary circle

• Gathered a group of younger poets and playwrights known as the "Sons" or "Tribe of Ben"
• Influenced writers such as Robert Herrick, Thomas Carew, and Sir John Suckling
• Held literary discussions and debates at the Mermaid Tavern, fostering intellectual exchange
• Mentored and collaborated with other prominent writers, including John Donne and George Chapman

Critical reception over time

• Initially celebrated as the foremost dramatist of his age, rivaling Shakespeare in popularity
• Experienced a decline in reputation during the Romantic period, which favored Shakespeare's perceived naturalism
• Underwent a critical revival in the 20th century, with renewed interest in his classical style and satirical wit
• Continues to be performed and studied, with ongoing debates about his place in the English literary canon

Jonson's humours theory

• Jonson's theory of humours played a significant role in shaping his approach to character development and comedy
• This concept, derived from ancient medical theories, provided a framework for understanding human behavior and personality
• The humours theory influenced not only Jonson's own works but also the broader development of English Renaissance drama

Concept and origins

• Based on the ancient Greek medical theory of the four bodily humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile)
• Proposed that an imbalance of these humours resulted in specific personality traits or "humours"
• Adapted this medical concept to create a system of character types in drama
• Linked each humour to specific behaviors, emotions, and physical characteristics

Application in comedies

• Used the humours theory to create exaggerated, type-based characters in plays like Every Man in His Humour
• Employed humours as a source of comedy, with characters' extreme traits leading to ridiculous situations
• Explored the interactions between characters with different dominant humours to generate conflict and plot
• Gradually evolved his use of humours to create more complex and nuanced characters in later works

Influence on character development

• Established a system for creating consistent and recognizable character types in drama
• Inspired other playwrights to adopt and adapt the humours theory in their own works
• Contributed to the development of stock characters in English comedy
• Influenced later theories of character development, including the concept of "ruling passions" in 18th-century literature

Notable plays

• Jonson's plays represent some of the most significant dramatic works of the English Renaissance
• These works showcase his mastery of various dramatic genres, from satirical comedy to historical tragedy
• The plays continue to be performed and studied, offering insights into Jacobean society and human nature

Volpone

• Satirical comedy set in Venice, first performed in 1606
• Explores themes of greed, deception, and the corruption of wealth
• Features the cunning Volpone (the Fox) and his parasite Mosca as they trick greedy legacy-hunters
• Incorporates elements of beast fable and morality play traditions
• Critiques the emerging capitalist society and the moral decay of the Venetian (and by extension, English) upper class

The Alchemist

• Satirical comedy first performed in 1610, set in London during a plague outbreak
• Centers around a trio of con artists who exploit people's desires for wealth and status
• Explores themes of gullibility, social ambition, and the power of imagination
• Features intricate plot structure and rapid-fire dialogue, showcasing Jonson's wit and craftsmanship
• Critiques various social types and professions, including religious hypocrites and pseudo-scientists

Bartholomew Fair

• Boisterous comedy first performed in 1614, set in the annual Bartholomew Fair in London
• Presents a diverse cast of characters from various social classes interacting at the fair
• Explores themes of justice, authority, and the carnivalesque subversion of social norms
• Incorporates elements of city comedy and features Jonson's most realistic depiction of London life
• Critiques Puritan hypocrisy and the excesses of both high and low culture

Poetic achievements

• Jonson's poetry demonstrates his versatility as a writer and his mastery of various poetic forms
• His verse works range from short, witty epigrams to complex odes and moving personal lyrics
• Jonson's poetic achievements influenced the development of English poetry and continue to be admired for their craftsmanship and emotional depth

Epigrams and epitaphs

• Composed over 130 epigrams, published in his 1616 folio Works
• Addressed a wide range of subjects, from flattering patrons to satirizing social types
• Developed the English epigram as a sophisticated literary form, blending wit and moral insight
• Wrote memorable epitaphs, including On My First Son and On My First Daughter, combining personal grief with universal themes

Lyric poetry

• Wrote influential love lyrics, including the famous Song to Celia (Drink to me only with thine eyes)
• Composed nature poems and country house poems, such as To Penshurst, celebrating rural life and aristocratic patronage
• Explored themes of friendship, mortality, and the role of the poet in society
• Demonstrated mastery of various lyric forms, including the sonnet and the song

Odes and elegies

• Wrote formal odes on various subjects, including To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author Mr. William Shakespeare
• Composed elegies for friends and patrons, blending personal sentiment with classical allusions
• Experimented with the Pindaric ode form, influencing later poets like Abraham Cowley
• Used these longer poetic forms to explore complex philosophical and moral themes

Jonson vs Shakespeare

• The relationship between Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare has long fascinated literary scholars and theatre enthusiasts
• Their contrasting approaches to drama and poetry reflect broader tensions in English Renaissance literature
• Understanding the differences and similarities between these two literary giants provides insight into the rich diversity of Elizabethan and Jacobean theatre

Stylistic differences

• Jonson favored a more classical, structured approach to drama, while Shakespeare's style was more fluid and varied
• Jonson's language tended to be more precise and erudite, whereas Shakespeare's was more poetic and metaphorical
• Jonson emphasized satirical commentary and moral instruction, while Shakespeare focused more on character psychology and universal themes
• Jonson's plays often adhered to the classical unities of time, place, and action, while Shakespeare's works were more flexible in structure

Theatrical approaches

• Jonson wrote primarily for indoor theatres and court performances, while Shakespeare's plays were designed for both outdoor and indoor venues
• Jonson's works often featured elaborate stage directions and specific requirements for costumes and props, whereas Shakespeare's staging was generally more minimal
• Jonson tended to create type-based characters aligned with his humours theory, while Shakespeare developed more psychologically complex characters
• Jonson's plays frequently incorporated topical references and satire of contemporary London life, while Shakespeare's works often had more timeless settings

Contemporary reputations

• Both playwrights achieved significant popularity and success during their lifetimes
• Shakespeare was generally considered the more naturally gifted and versatile dramatist
• Jonson was viewed as the more learned and scholarly writer, with a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship
• Jonson's critical writings and his position as Poet Laureate contributed to his status as a literary authority
• The two writers influenced and respected each other, with Jonson famously praising Shakespeare in his poem To the Memory of My Beloved, the Author Mr. William Shakespeare

Literary criticism

• Ben Jonson's contributions to literary criticism were significant and influential, shaping the development of English literary theory
• His critical writings and commentaries provide valuable insights into the literary culture of the English Renaissance
• Jonson's views on poetry, drama, and the role of the writer continue to be studied and debated by scholars

Jonson as critic

• Wrote extensive marginalia and annotations on classical texts, demonstrating his scholarly approach
• Composed prefaces and dedications to his own works, explaining his artistic choices and theories
• Engaged in literary debates with contemporaries, defending his views on drama and poetry
• Delivered lectures on poetry at Gresham College, establishing himself as a leading literary theorist

Jonson's literary theory

• Emphasized the importance of learning and craft in poetry, advocating for a balance between nature (talent) and art (skill)
• Promoted the concept of decorum, arguing that style should be appropriate to subject matter and genre
• Advocated for the moral and educational function of literature, particularly in drama
• Stressed the importance of imitating and emulating classical models while adapting them to contemporary tastes

Reception of Jonson's criticism

• Influenced the development of neoclassical literary theory in the 17th and 18th centuries
• Sparked debates about the relative merits of classical imitation versus original invention in literature
• Contributed to the establishment of a more formal and analytical approach to literary criticism in England
• Continues to be studied for its insights into Renaissance literary culture and its impact on subsequent critical traditions