Ben Jonson's 'On My First Sonne' is an elegy that expresses the poet's grief over the loss of his son to the plague. It explores themes of mortality, sorrow, and spiritual belief, reflecting on the conflict between deep anguish and Christian convictions. The poem's structure, literary devices, and thematic depth offer insights into the human condition and the transformative impact of loss.
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Jonson struggles with reconciling his deep sorrow with his Christian beliefs
Twelve-line Stanza
The structure of the poem symbolizes the short life of Jonson's son
Iambic Pentameter and Rhyme Scheme
The use of iambic pentameter and a rhyme scheme adds to the emotional impact of the poem
Analogy
Jonson compares his son's life to a loan from God to emphasize the temporality of human existence
Consonance and Ecphonesis
The use of consonance and ecphonesis convey the bitter reality of death and Jonson's outcry of pain
Rhetorical Questions and Metaphor
Jonson's use of rhetorical questions and metaphor highlights his internal struggle between mourning and recognizing his son's value
The poem delves into the universal experiences of death and grief, providing insight into the human condition
Jonson grapples with the joy and potential for heartbreak that comes with being a father
The death of his son changes Jonson's identity as a father, reflecting the enduring nature of parental love
"On My First Sonne" and "On My First Daughter" offer different perspectives on death and grief
While "On My First Sonne" ends without consolation, "On My First Daughter" offers comfort through the Christian belief in heaven
The contrasting poems reflect Jonson's complex stages of grief and his search for solace in his faith
"On My First Sonne" demonstrates the enduring power of poetry to convey deep emotional experiences
The poem provides a valuable opportunity for students to examine historical perspectives on grief and faith
Jonson's skillful use of poetic techniques deepens the reader's engagement with the emotional depth of the poem
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Author of 'On My First Sonne'
Ben Jonson, English Renaissance figure.
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Poem's structure and meter
Single twelve-line stanza, iambic pentameter, AABBCCDDEEFF rhyme.
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Catalyst for 'On My First Sonne'
Death of Jonson's son from plague at age seven.
