Ben Jonson and His Important Works

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was an English playwright, poet, and literary critic who made significant contributions to literary criticism.

His contributions include:

1. Development of Classical Criticism: Jonson was instrumental in introducing classical critical principles to English literature, drawing on Aristotle’s “Poetics” and Horace’s “Ars Poetica”.
2. Concept of “Art” vs. “Nature”: Jonson distinguished between “art” (creative skill) and “nature” ( innate talent), emphasizing the importance of both in literary creation.
3. Idea of the “Poet as Maker”: Like Sidney, Jonson saw the poet as a creator, or “maker”, who shapes and crafts their work through skill and artistry.
4. Importance of Language and Style: Jonson stressed the importance of language, style, and decorum in literary works, arguing that they should be appropriate to the subject matter.
5. Critique of Contemporary Literature: Jonson critiqued the literature of his time, arguing that it often prioritized spectacle over substance and neglected classical principles.
6. Influence on Later Critics: Jonson’s critical ideas influenced later critics, including John Dryden and Alexander Pope.

Some of Jonson’s notable critical works include:

• “Timber: or, Discoveries” (1641) – a collection of essays and notes on literature and criticism
• “The English Grammar” (1640) – a grammatical guide that reflects his critical principles

Jonson’s contributions to literary criticism helped shape the development of English literature, emphasizing the importance of classical principles, creative skill, and linguistic craftsmanship.

Works of Ben Jonson:

Plays:

1. Every Man in His Humour (1598)
2. Volpone (1605)
3. Epicene (1609)
4. The Alchemist (1610)
5. Bartholomew Fair (1614)
6. The Devil is an Ass (1616)
7. The Staple of News (1626)
8. The New Inn (1629)
9. The Magnetic Lady (1632)
10. A Tale of a Tub (1633)

Poetry:

1. Epigrams (1616)
2. The Forest (1616)
3. Underwood (1640)
4. The Execration Against Vulcan (1640)

Masques:

1. The Masque of Blackness (1605)
2. The Masque of Beauty (1608)
3. The Masque of Queens (1609)
4. Oberon, the Faery Prince (1611)
5. The Irish Masque (1613)

Criticism and Essays:

1. Timber: or, Discoveries (1641) – a collection of essays and notes on literature and criticism
2. The English Grammar (1640) – a grammatical guide

Other Works:

1. The Works of Ben Jonson (1616) – a collection of his plays and poems
2. The Complete Poems of Ben Jonson (1640) – a collection of his poetry

Note: The dates provided here are for the original publication dates, which in some cases may not be the same as the date of composition or first performance.

Ben Jonson’s take on poetry, drama, and language:

Poetry:

• Jonson believed that poetry should be a careful and deliberate craft, with attention to form, structure, and language.
• He emphasized the importance of classical models and conventions, such as the use of meter and rhyme.
• He saw poetry as a way to explore and express complex ideas and emotions, but also believed that it should be accessible and understandable to a wide audience.
• Jonson’s own poetry is characterized by its use of classical forms, complex metaphor, and a focus on themes such as love, beauty, and mortality.

Drama:

• Ben Jonson believed that drama should be a serious and noble art form, with a focus on exploring complex moral and philosophical themes.
• He emphasized the importance of plot, character, and language in creating a compelling drama.
• He saw drama as a way to comment on contemporary issues and society, but also believed that it should be grounded in classical principles and conventions.
• Jonson’s own plays, such as “Volpone” and “The Alchemist”, are known for their complex plots, vivid characters, and use of language to explore themes such as greed, power, and identity.

Language:

• Jonson believed that language was a crucial element of both poetry and drama, and that it should be used carefully and deliberately to create a specific effect.
• He emphasized the importance of clarity, precision, and simplicity in language, and believed that it should be free from unnecessary ornamentation or complexity.
• He saw language as a way to convey complex ideas and emotions, but also believed that it should be accessible and understandable to a wide audience.
• Jonson’s own writing style is characterized by its use of complex metaphor, vivid imagery, and a focus on the musicality of language.

“Timber: or, Discoveries” is a collection of essays and notes on literature and criticism by Ben Jonson, published in 1641.

Important points from the book Timber or Discoveries:

1. Classical Influences: Jonson emphasizes the importance of classical Greek and Roman literature and its influence on English literature.
2. Poetry as Craft: He argues that poetry is a craft that requires skill, learning, and practice.
3. The Role of the Poet: Ben Jonson sees the poet as a creator, or “maker”, who shapes and crafts their work through skill and artistry.
4. Language and Style: He stresses the importance of language, style, and decorum in literary works.
5. Critique of Contemporary Literature: Jonson critiques the literature of his time, arguing that it often prioritizes spectacle over substance and neglects classical principles.
6. The Importance of Reading: He emphasizes the importance of reading and studying classical literature to improve one’s writing skills.
7. The Role of the Critic: Jonson sees the critic as a guide who helps readers understand and appreciate literary works.
8. The Relationship between Author and Reader: He discusses the relationship between author and reader, arguing that the author should consider the reader’s needs and expectations.
9. The Power of Language: Ben Jonson argues that language has the power to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
10. The Enduring Nature of Literature: He believes that literature has the power to transcend time and circumstance, speaking to universal human experiences.

“Timber: or, Discoveries” is a significant work of literary criticism that showcases Jonson’s expertise and insights into literature, poetry, and drama.

Read and learn more: Sir Philip Sidney and An Apology for Poetry