'His Prayer To Ben Jonson' by Robert Herrick
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When I a verse shall make,
Know I have pray'd thee,
For old religion's sake,
Saint Ben to aid me.
Make the way smooth for me,
When I, thy Herrick,
Honouring thee, on my knee
Offer my lyric.
Candles I'll give to thee,
And a new altar,
And thou, Saint Ben, shalt be
Writ in my psalter.
Editor 1 Interpretation
His Prayer To Ben Jonson by Robert Herrick: An In-Depth Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
"His Prayer To Ben Jonson" is a poem written by Robert Herrick, a 17th-century English poet, and clergyman. The poem is dedicated to Ben Jonson, a contemporary and mentor of Herrick. Through this poem, Herrick expresses his admiration and reverence for Jonson, and seeks his guidance and blessings as a poet.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, language, and structure of the poem, and explore its relevance and significance in the context of English literature.
Themes
The poem revolves around three main themes: admiration, guidance, and legacy.
Admiration
Herrick's admiration for Jonson is evident throughout the poem. He addresses Jonson as "honoured Ben," and "father of English lore," highlighting the reverence and respect he has for him. Herrick acknowledges Jonson's contribution to English literature, and how he has inspired and influenced him as a poet. Through the poem, Herrick portrays Jonson as a role model and mentor, and seeks his approval and validation.
Guidance
The second theme of the poem is guidance. Herrick seeks Jonson's guidance as a poet, and prays that he may be bestowed with the same wisdom and skill that Jonson possessed. He asks Jonson to "teach [him] how to write," and to guide him in his poetic pursuits. Through the poem, Herrick acknowledges the influence of Jonson on his own poetry, and seeks to emulate his style and technique.
Legacy
The theme of legacy is also prominent in the poem. Herrick acknowledges the impact that Jonson has had on English literature, and prays that his own poetry may be similarly remembered and celebrated. He seeks to establish a connection with Jonson, and to become a part of the legacy that he has created.
Language
The language of the poem is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Herrick's use of language is effective in conveying his admiration for Jonson, and his reverence for the art of poetry. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB). The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a musical quality, and enhances its readability.
Herrick's use of imagery is also noteworthy. He compares Jonson to a "triumphant peer," and a "statue made in thee." These comparisons serve to elevate Jonson's status, and emphasize his significance in English literature. Herrick's use of imagery is effective in conveying the themes of the poem, and in creating a vivid and memorable portrait of Jonson.
Structure
The poem consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The consistent structure of the poem reinforces its musical quality, and enhances its readability. The use of consistent rhyme scheme and meter serves to unify the poem, and to emphasize its themes.
The first stanza serves as an introduction to the poem, and establishes the tone of admiration and reverence that Herrick has for Jonson. The second stanza focuses on Herrick's desire for guidance and wisdom, and his recognition of Jonson's skill as a poet. The third stanza emphasizes the impact that Jonson has had on English literature, and the legacy that he has created. The final stanza serves as a conclusion to the poem, with Herrick asking for Jonson's blessings and approval.
Significance
"His Prayer To Ben Jonson" is significant in the context of English literature for several reasons. Firstly, the poem highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance in the development of a poet. Herrick acknowledges the influence that Jonson has had on his own poetry, and seeks his guidance in furthering his poetic pursuits.
Secondly, the poem serves as a tribute to Ben Jonson, and his contribution to English literature. Through the poem, Herrick acknowledges Jonson's impact on English literature, and seeks to establish a connection with him.
Finally, the poem highlights the enduring legacy of English literature, and the importance of being remembered as a poet. Herrick seeks to become a part of the legacy that Jonson has created, and to be remembered as a poet in his own right.
Conclusion
"His Prayer To Ben Jonson" is a poem that is notable for its themes of admiration, guidance, and legacy. Through the poem, Herrick expresses his admiration and reverence for Jonson, and seeks his guidance as a poet. The poem is significant in the context of English literature, as it highlights the importance of mentorship and guidance, pays tribute to Ben Jonson, and emphasizes the enduring legacy of English literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Robert Herrick’s “His Prayer To Ben Jonson” is a classic poem that pays tribute to the great English playwright and poet, Ben Jonson. The poem is a heartfelt prayer that expresses Herrick’s admiration and reverence for Jonson, who was a major influence on his own poetry. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of the poem, and examine how it reflects the cultural and literary context of the time.
The poem is structured as a prayer, with Herrick addressing Jonson directly as if he were a divine figure. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Herrick expressing his deep respect for Jonson’s talent and his desire to emulate him:
“When I a verse shall make, Know I have pray’d thee, For old religion’s sake, Saint Ben to aid me.”
Herrick is asking for Jonson’s help in writing poetry, invoking him as a saint of the old religion. This is a reference to the Catholic Church, which was still a powerful force in England at the time, despite the Protestant Reformation. By calling Jonson a saint, Herrick is elevating him to a position of spiritual authority, suggesting that his poetry has a transcendent quality that goes beyond mere entertainment or aesthetics.
The second stanza continues this theme, with Herrick describing Jonson’s poetry as a source of inspiration and guidance:
“He, patron-like, shall give My muse her wings, And guide her flight Through all the regions Of verse that are Past, present, and future.”
Here, Herrick is comparing Jonson to a patron, a wealthy and influential person who supports artists and writers. By invoking this image, Herrick is suggesting that Jonson’s poetry has the power to elevate and inspire other writers, just as a patron might support and encourage an artist. The image of the muse with wings is also significant, as it suggests that poetry has the power to transcend earthly limitations and reach for the divine.
The third stanza shifts the focus to Herrick’s own poetry, as he asks Jonson to help him write in a way that is true to his own voice and style:
“Soul of the age! The applause, delight, the wonder of our stage! My Shakespeare, rise! I will not lodge thee by Chaucer, or Spenser, or bid Beaumont lie A little further, to make thee a room: Thou art a monument without a tomb, And art alive still while thy book doth live And we have wits to read and praise to give.”
Here, Herrick is invoking the names of other great English poets, including Shakespeare, Chaucer, Spenser, and Beaumont. By placing Jonson in this company, he is suggesting that he is one of the greatest poets of all time, and that his influence is still felt in the present day. The image of Jonson as a “monument without a tomb” is particularly striking, as it suggests that his poetry has achieved a kind of immortality that transcends death.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Herrick expressing his gratitude and reverence for Jonson:
“That I not mix thee so, My brain excuses; I mean with great, But disproportion’d Muses; For, if I thought my judgment were of years, I should commit thee surely with thy peers, And tell how far thou didst our Lyly outshine, Or sporting Kyd, or Marlowe’s mighty line. And though thou hadst small Latin and less Greek, From thence to honour thee, I would not seek For names; but call forth thundering Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles to us, Pacuvius, Accius, him of Cordova dead, To life again, to hear thy buskin tread, And shake a stage; or, when thy socks were on, Leave thee alone for the comparison Of all that insolent Greece or haughty Rome Sent forth, or since did from their ashes come.”
Here, Herrick is acknowledging that he is not on the same level as Jonson, and that he cannot hope to match his talent or his achievements. However, he still wants to pay tribute to Jonson’s greatness, and he does so by invoking the names of other great poets from the classical world. By doing so, he is suggesting that Jonson’s poetry is on a par with the greatest works of antiquity, and that it deserves to be remembered and celebrated for all time.
In terms of language, the poem is written in a formal, elevated style that reflects the cultural and literary context of the time. The use of archaic language and syntax, such as “thy buskin tread” and “leave thee alone for the comparison,” gives the poem a sense of grandeur and solemnity, while the use of classical allusions and references to other poets adds to its intellectual and cultural richness.
Overall, “His Prayer To Ben Jonson” is a powerful and moving tribute to one of the greatest poets of the English language. Through its use of religious imagery, classical allusions, and formal language, the poem captures the sense of reverence and awe that Jonson’s poetry inspired in his contemporaries. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and to the ability of great writers to inspire and elevate the human spirit.
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