Talk with Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson was an English playwright, poet, and actor born on June 11, 1572, and living until August 6, 1637. He is considered one of the major dramatists and poets of the 17th century and was a contemporary of William Shakespeare. Jonson is best known for his satirical plays such as "Volpone," "The Alchemist," and "Bartholomew Fair," and his lyrics are equally acclaimed for their sophistication and wit.

Jonson's early life was marked by a robust education at Westminster School, where he was exposed to classical scholarship, a foundation that deeply influenced his literary work. He did not attend university but worked briefly as a bricklayer with his stepfather and later joined the army before venturing into acting and playwriting.

In 1598, Jonson achieved his first major success with the play "Every Man in His Humour," which was performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a company for which Shakespeare was also an actor. This marked the beginning of a significant, albeit complex, relationship between Jonson and Shakespeare. Jonson's works often contained classical elements and were characterized by his ambitious literary aims; he famously critiqued the English theatre of his time and sought to bring it to a higher standard of artistic excellence.

Beyond drama, Jonson was a prolific poet, known for both his lyrical poetry and his epigrams. In 1616, he was awarded a pension by King James I, effectively making him England's first poet laureate. His influence on both his contemporaries and later writers was substantial, contributing significantly to the English literary tradition.

Jonson's life and career were turbulent at times, including spells in prison for manslaughter and for offenses against the state. His reputation as a writer, though sometimes overshadowed by Shakespeare, remains prominent, and he is celebrated for his intense comedies, sophisticated use of language, and insightful portrayal of Jacobean society.

Ben Jonson's influence on modern English is significant, particularly in the realms of vocabulary, literary style, and dramatic structure. He was a contemporary of Shakespeare and a central figure in the English Renaissance theatre. Jonson was known for his rigorous attention to classical forms and his commitment to what he saw as the artistic integrity of poetry and drama, which helped mold the English language and its literary output in several ways:

1. Vocabulary Expansion: Jonson, much like his contemporaries, contributed to the expansion of the English vocabulary. He coined new words and used existing words in new ways. This innovative use of language enriched English, making it more expressive and versatile.

2. Literary Style: Jonson’s style was markedly different from that of Shakespeare. Known for his wit and often intricate wordplay, Jonson’s work leaned towards a more classical and structured form, adhering closely to the unities of time, place, and action. His approach influenced the development of English drama towards a more disciplined artistic expression.

3. Development of Comedy: Jonson’s comedies, which include works like "Volpone" and "The Alchemist," are considered masterpieces of English satirical comedy. His character-driven plots and the emphasis on humor derived from human vices and follies influenced the development of the comedy genre in English literature. His style of comedy, which involved social criticism through caricature, set a model that is still seen in modern satirical works.

4. Poetic Craftsmanship: As a poet, Jonson was known for his classical precision and ability to blend the intellectual with the emotional. His poetry, which included elegies and epigrams, was highly structured, often based on meticulous word choice and symmetry. This attention to form and discipline in poetic expression had a lasting impact on English lyrical poetry.

5. Literary Criticism: Jonson was also influential in his roles as a critic and theorist. His views on literature and his critiques of other works helped lay the groundwork for literary criticism in English.

Through these contributions, Ben Jonson helped shape the course of English literature and language, leaving a legacy that extends into modern times. His works and his theoretical contributions continue to be studied and appreciated for their artistic merit and their impact on the development of English drama and poetry.

Ben Jonson had a complex and multifaceted relationship with William Shakespeare, marked by mutual respect, rivalry, and professional interaction. They were contemporaries in the vibrant theatrical world of Elizabethan and Jacobean England.

Professional Respect: Jonson recognized Shakespeare’s natural talent and proficiency. Although Jonson was classically educated and often followed stricter literary conventions, he admired Shakespeare's artistic ability, famously saying that Shakespeare was "not of an age, but for all time!" in the preface to the First Folio.

Rivalry: There was a competitive element to their relationship as well. Both were prominent playwrights appealing to similar audiences, and there are indications of rivalrous barbs. Jonson criticized some aspects of Shakespeare’s work, like his disregard for classical unities and occasional factual inaccuracies. However, these critiques were relatively mild and academic in nature, rather than deeply personal.

Collaboration and Influence: They likely influenced each other’s work and shared ideas through their interactions. Jonson acted in several of Shakespeare’s plays, and after Shakespeare's death, Jonson contributed a poem to the prefatory material of the First Folio, acknowledging Shakespeare's lasting impact on English literature.

Their relationship was emblematic of a dynamic literary culture where admiration and competitive rivalry coexisted, pushing each artist to greater creative heights.

Ben Jonson's writing style is notable for its classical structure, disciplined form, and wit. He was deeply influenced by the works of classical Roman writers, such as Horace, Virgil, and Seneca, which is evident in his strict adherence to classical unities in drama and his use of sophisticated literary devices. Jonson was a scholarly playwright who often incorporated elements of satire, irony, and moralism into his plays, poems, and masques.

In drama, Jonson is known for the precise construction of his plots and his detailed character development. His characters often embody human vices and follies, serving as vehicles for his social and moral criticisms. His use of humor, particularly in his comedies, is often marked by elaborate wordplay, puns, and allusions.

In poetry, his style is characterized by its clarity, order, and control. His poems often reflect his deep knowledge of classical and contemporary cultures. They are crafted with technical skill and often express themes of morality, society, and human nature.

Overall, Jonson's style is distinguished by its erudition, linguistic control, and blend of classical influences with contemporary English life, making his works intellectually challenging and rich in detail.

Ben Jonson visited the Scottish poet William Drummond of Hawthornden in 1618, and during this visit, he engaged in extensive conversations that Drummond meticulously recorded. These notes, often referred to as "Drummond’s Conversations with Jonson," shed light on Jonson's opinions on fellow poets and his views on literary works, including his own.

In these conversations, Jonson expressed various opinions about many poets and writers, but his comments on Drummond himself were mixed. He observed that Drummond was a man who loved to hear himself talk and that his works were not greatly esteemed outside Scotland. Despite these critiques, the two shared a bond over their common profession, and the visit was fruitful enough to be well-documented. Jonson's remarks on other poets in these notes also reflect his forthright, and sometimes critical, disposition often seen in his works and public interactions.

Ben Jonson's poems cover a range of themes and styles, reflecting his complex views on humanity, politics, and art. Many of his poems explore themes of love, nature, morality, and the human condition. He also wrote a number of celebratory and commemorative poems, often infused with elements of classical mythology and personal insights.

One of Jonson's famous lyric works is "To Celia" ("Drink to me only with thine eyes"), which expresses profound affection and love through tender, poetic language. This poem demonstrates his skillful use of imagery and precise language to convey deep emotions.

Jonson also delved deeply into the complexities of human character and social interaction in his epigrams. These short, witty poems often carry a moral or satirical message, commenting on the follies and vices of his contemporaries.

In his more reflective and philosophical poems, such as those in "Underwoods" and other collections, Jonson contemplates issues such as the nature of creativity, the role of the artist in society, and his own experiences and aging. These works often reveal a more introspective and melancholic tone, showcasing his intellectual depth and mastery over language.

In summary, Jonson's poetry typically involves a celebration of classical learning, insightful observations on human behavior, and an incredible command of poetic forms and techniques.

"The Alchemist" was written by Ben Jonson himself. It is one of his most famous and well-regarded plays, first performed in 1610 by the King's Men, the acting company to which Shakespeare also belonged. The play is a comedy that satirizes the follies and vices of society, particularly focusing on themes of human greed and deception.

Yes, Ben Jonson outlived William Shakespeare. Shakespeare passed away in 1616, while Jonson died later in 1637.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Ben Jonson.