BEN JONSON

BEN JONSON

 

Introduction
Ben Jonson was one of the greatest dramatists of the Elizabethan and Jacobean ages. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and became famous for his satirical comedies and strong classical influence. Born in 1572 and living until 1637, Jonson witnessed the growth of English drama and played a major role in shaping its future. He was a poet, critic, and playwright. He believed that drama should educate as well as entertain. His comedies attacked the follies and vices of society. He followed strict rules in writing and admired the order and discipline of ancient Roman writers. He gave English comedy a new form and seriousness. His plays are known for their sharp wit, moral purpose, and well-constructed plots.

 

Early Life and Career

Ben Jonson was born in London. His father died before he was born, and his stepfather was a bricklayer. Jonson was educated at Westminster School where he learned Latin and classical literature. He did not go to university but gained deep knowledge through self-study. He briefly worked as a soldier in Flanders before returning to London to act and write for the stage. His first major success was the play Every Man in His Humour (1598). It was performed by Shakespeare’s acting company, and it made Jonson a well-known name in the theatre world. Over the years, he became a leading figure in London’s literary circles. He was known for his strong opinions and literary quarrels. Despite his pride and sometimes difficult nature, he was respected as a man of learning and talent.

 

Major Comedies

Ben Jonson is most famous for his comedies of humours, a form he developed to show how characters are ruled by a single trait or obsession. His best-known comedies include Every Man in His Humour, Volpone, The Alchemist, and Bartholomew Fair. In Volpone (1606), he presents a greedy old man who pretends to be dying to cheat others. The play exposes greed and hypocrisy. The Alchemist (1610) is about tricksters who use false science to fool people and steal their money. It is a sharp satire on gullibility and corruption. Bartholomew Fair (1614) mixes comedy with a broad social picture of London life. These plays combine clever plots with deep moral insight. Jonson’s characters often represent types rather than individuals, and he uses their actions to teach lessons.

 

Tragedy and Masques

Although Jonson is known for his comedies, he also wrote a tragedy called Sejanus His Fall and another titled Catiline His Conspiracy. These plays are based on Roman history and follow classical rules. They are serious, formal, and full of speeches, but they were not as successful as his comedies. Jonson also became famous for writing masques, a type of court entertainment that included music, dance, and poetic dialogue. He worked with the architect and designer Inigo Jones to create grand performances for the court of King James I. His masques such as The Masque of Blackness and Hymenaei praised the king and celebrated royal power. These works showed his classical training and helped make him a favourite at the royal court.

 

Literary Theory and Criticism

Ben Jonson was not just a playwright; he was also a literary critic. He believed that writing should follow rules and serve a higher purpose. He admired ancient Roman writers like Horace and Cicero. He wanted drama to teach moral lessons and to reflect the order of nature. He rejected cheap humour and unrealistic plots. In the preface to his play Volpone, he explained that comedy should correct the vices of society through laughter. He also believed in poetic justice, where good is rewarded and evil is punished. His approach was different from Shakespeare’s, who focused more on emotion and imagination. Jonson’s idea of drama was based on reason, control, and learning. He once said, “A good poet must be made, not born,” showing his belief in craft and discipline.

 

Poetry and Prose

Jonson was also a gifted poet. His poems are full of balance, clarity, and thought. In poems like On My First Son and On My First Daughter, he expressed personal grief with deep feeling. He also wrote many epigrams—short, witty poems that express sharp ideas in a few lines. His poem Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes is still well-known for its gentle romantic tone. In prose, he wrote Timber, or Discoveries, a collection of notes on literature, language, and life. These writings show his careful thought, moral seriousness, and love of classical learning. His poetry is less emotional than Shakespeare’s but more controlled and thoughtful. He gave English poetry a new form of elegance and intelligence.

 

Rivalry and Influence

Ben Jonson had a complex relationship with William Shakespeare. Though they worked in the same period, their styles were very different. Jonson respected Shakespeare’s talent but also criticised his lack of classical discipline. He once joked that Shakespeare had “small Latin and less Greek.” However, after Shakespeare’s death, Jonson praised him highly in a poem in the First Folio, calling him “not of an age but for all time.” Jonson had many literary rivals, and he was known for his pride and sharp tongue. Yet, he had many followers too. A group of young poets known as the Sons of Ben admired his style and ideas. His influence continued in later periods, especially during the Restoration and the Neoclassical Age.

 

Legacy and Reputation

Ben Jonson’s legacy in English literature is strong and lasting. He was the first English writer to be given the title Poet Laureate, though unofficially. He was also the first to publish his plays in a collected edition called The Works of Ben Jonson in 1616, claiming a status equal to poets and scholars. His comedies shaped the tradition of satirical and realistic drama. His critical views influenced later writers and literary theory. He showed that drama could be a tool for social correction and moral teaching. His attention to form, order, and purpose made him a model for many writers. Though Shakespeare is more famous today, Jonson’s work remains respected for its intelligence, structure, and wit.

 

Conclusion
Ben Jonson was one of the most important figures of English Renaissance literature. He brought learning, discipline, and moral purpose to English drama. Through his comedies, he exposed the foolishness and corruption of society. Through his poetry, he expressed personal sorrow and timeless truths. Through his criticism, he raised the standards of literary taste. He believed that writing was a serious art that required effort, rules, and reason. He was proud, learned, and bold. His life and works reflect the spirit of the age—an age of learning, change, and artistic growth. Ben Jonson remains a guiding light in the history of English literature.

References
Long, William J. English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the English-Speaking World. Anboco, 2016.
Albert, Edward. History of English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2005.
Sanders, Andrew. The Short Oxford History of English Literature. Oxford University Press, 2004.
Riggs, David. Ben Jonson: A Life. Harvard University Press, 1989.

  

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