The Life and Works of Ben Jonson
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Explore the life of Ben Jonson, a seminal figure in English literature, known for his plays like 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist', and his contributions to courtly masques. His works, characterized by sharp wit and a satirical tone, have left a lasting impact on the development of drama and poetry. Despite controversies and legal troubles, Jonson's legacy as a master of the comedy of humours endures.
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Early Life and Education of Ben Jonson
Benjamin Jonson was born on June 11, 1572, in London, England. He was the posthumous son of a minister and was later raised by his mother and stepfather, a bricklayer. Jonson's education began in the church school of St. Martin's Lane and later at the prestigious Westminster School, where he was tutored by the scholar William Camden. Camden's classical teachings greatly influenced Jonson's literary works. Although he was expected to attend Cambridge University, financial constraints led him to an apprenticeship in bricklaying. This trade, however, did not prevent Jonson from pursuing his passion for literature and drama.Jonson's Foray into Theatre and Personal Life
After serving in the military in the Netherlands, Ben Jonson turned to the theatre, working as an actor and playwright. He married Anne Lewis in 1594, and they had several children, though many of their lives were marked by tragedy, including the death of his eldest son to the plague, which Jonson immortalized in his poem 'On My First Sonne'. His play 'Every Man in His Humour' was performed in 1598, establishing his reputation as a playwright. Jonson's collaborations with other playwrights, including William Shakespeare, were significant, though the exact nature of their relationship is not well-documented.Controversies and Legal Troubles
Ben Jonson's life and career were marred by several controversies. His involvement with the satirical play 'The Isle of Dogs' resulted in a brief imprisonment. In 1598, a duel with actor Gabriel Spenser ended in Spenser's death, for which Jonson was tried and found guilty of manslaughter. He escaped the gallows by pleading "benefit of clergy," a medieval law allowing him to demonstrate his literacy to receive a more lenient punishment. During his imprisonment, Jonson converted to Catholicism, which he later renounced after twelve years.Jonson's Contributions to Courtly Entertainment
The reign of King James I brought new opportunities for Jonson, who became a prominent writer of masques—luxurious courtly entertainments involving poetry, music, dance, and elaborate sets. Jonson's masques were celebrated for their wit and ingenuity, and he enjoyed the patronage of various members of the nobility. However, his satirical plays, which often critiqued societal norms and political corruption, sometimes led to friction with the authorities and his patrons.The Height of Jonson's Literary Career
Ben Jonson's most productive period was between 1605 and 1620, during which he wrote some of his most famous plays, including 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist'. These works are renowned for their complex characterizations and use of the comedy of humours, which depicted characters dominated by a single temperament or "humour." Jonson's poetry, including 'Song: to Celia' and 'To Penshurst', was compiled in the 1616 folio 'The Workes of Benjamin Jonson', which also included his plays and masques. His poetry is noted for its classical form, intellectual depth, and often satirical tone.Later Years and Legacy
The final years of Jonson's life were marked by declining health, including a series of strokes, and a lessening of his literary output. The political changes after the death of King James I also affected his standing. Nevertheless, Jonson's death on August 6, 1637, was a significant event, and he was honored with a burial in Westminster Abbey. His legacy endures as a master of the comedy of humours and as a central figure in the development of English drama and poetry. His works remain influential for their sharp characterizations and their role in shaping literary form and style.
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Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Benjamin Jonson was born in London, England in 1572 to a minister and was raised by his mother and stepfather
Education
Influence of William Camden
Jonson's education at St. Martin's Lane and Westminster School was greatly influenced by his tutor, William Camden
Apprenticeship and Pursuit of Literature
Financial constraints led Jonson to become a bricklayer, but he continued to pursue his passion for literature and drama
Career and Controversies
Military Service and Entry into Theatre
After serving in the military, Jonson turned to the theatre, working as an actor and playwright
Marriage and Tragedies
Death of Eldest Son
Jonson's eldest son died from the plague, which he immortalized in his poem 'On My First Sonne'
Collaborations and Controversies
Relationship with William Shakespeare
Jonson collaborated with other playwrights, including William Shakespeare, though the nature of their relationship is not well-documented
Involvement in 'The Isle of Dogs' and Duel with Gabriel Spenser
Jonson's involvement in the satirical play 'The Isle of Dogs' and a duel with actor Gabriel Spenser resulted in controversies and legal troubles
Rise to Prominence and Patronage
Opportunities under King James I
Jonson's career flourished under the patronage of King James I, who enjoyed his masques and other courtly entertainments
Satirical Plays and Friction with Authorities
Jonson's satirical plays, which critiqued societal norms and political corruption, sometimes led to friction with the authorities and his patrons
Productive Period and Famous Works
Plays such as 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist'
Jonson's most productive period between 1605 and 1620 produced some of his most famous plays, known for their complex characterizations and use of the comedy of humours
Poetry such as 'Song: to Celia' and 'To Penshurst'
Jonson's poetry, compiled in the 1616 folio 'The Workes of Benjamin Jonson', is noted for its classical form, intellectual depth, and often satirical tone
Legacy and Final Years
Declining Health and Decrease in Literary Output
Jonson's final years were marked by declining health and a decrease in his literary output
Political Changes and Impact on Standing
The political changes after the death of King James I affected Jonson's standing
Death and Burial in Westminster Abbey
Jonson's death in 1637 was a significant event, and he was honored with a burial in Westminster Abbey, leaving behind a legacy as a master of the comedy of humours and a central figure in the development of English drama and poetry
The Life and Works of Ben Jonson
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Birthdate and place of Benjamin Jonson
Born June 11, 1572, in London, England
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Ben Jonson's parental background
Posthumous son of a minister, raised by mother and bricklayer stepfather
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Reason Jonson didn't attend Cambridge University
Financial constraints led to bricklaying apprenticeship
