'It Is Not Growing Like A Tree' by Ben Jonson

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It is not growing like a tree
In bulk doth make Man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night-It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" by Ben Jonson

Are you looking for a poem that will make you ponder and reflect on the nature of poetry? Look no further than "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" by Ben Jonson. This classic poem, written in the 17th century, is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship and philosophical rumination. In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and metaphors present in this poem, and discuss how they contribute to its timeless appeal.

The Poem - "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree"

It is not growing like a tree In bulk doth make Man better be; Or standing long an oak, three hundred year, To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere: A lily of a day Is fairer far in May, Although it fall and die that night, It was the plant and flower of Light. In small proportions we just beauties see; And in short measures life may perfect be.

Poetic Structure

Before we dive into the themes and symbolism of this poem, it's important to take a closer look at its poetic structure. "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" consists of three stanzas, each with its own unique rhyme scheme. The first stanza employs a AABBCCDD rhyme scheme, the second an ABABCC rhyme scheme, and the third an AABB rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of musicality and rhythm that is essential to the poem's message.

The poem's meter is also worth noting. It is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line contains ten syllables, with an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This creates a natural flow to the poem, almost as if it were the beat of a human heart. This structure and meter are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve to reinforce the poem's central message.

Theme - The Nature of Poetry

At its core, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a meditation on the nature of poetry. It challenges the popular notion that greatness is determined by size and longevity. Instead, Jonson argues that true beauty and perfection can be found in small, fleeting things. He compares poetry to a lily, a plant that blooms for only a single day but is nonetheless "the plant and flower of Light."

This theme is particularly relevant to our modern world, where success is often measured in terms of material possessions and longevity. In this context, Jonson's message is a reminder that true greatness can be found in the smallest of things.

Symbolism - Lily of the Day

One of the most striking symbols in "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is the lily of the day. This metaphor represents the fleeting nature of life and beauty. The lily blooms for only a single day before withering away, yet it is still considered "fairer far in May" than the mighty oak that stands for centuries before falling.

This symbol is particularly powerful in the context of the poem's theme. It suggests that poetry need not be grand or everlasting to be beautiful and impactful. In fact, the very transience of poetry is what gives it its power to move and inspire.

Metaphor - Small Proportions

Another key metaphor in "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is the idea of "small proportions." Jonson argues that beauty and perfection can be found in small things, and that "in short measures life may perfect be." This metaphor speaks to the idea that greatness need not be measured in terms of size or longevity. Rather, it can be found in the smallest of things, in moments of joy and wonder that are all too fleeting.

This metaphor is particularly relevant to the craft of poetry itself. It suggests that a poem need not be long or complex to be great. Rather, it is the skillful use of language and imagery that makes a poem truly impactful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship and philosophical rumination. It challenges the popular notion that greatness is determined by size and longevity, and argues that true beauty and perfection can be found in small, fleeting things. Through its use of powerful symbols and metaphors, the poem speaks to the very nature of poetry itself, suggesting that a poem need not be grand or everlasting to be beautiful and impactful. For these reasons, it remains a timeless classic, one that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry It Is Not Growing Like A Tree: A Masterpiece by Ben Jonson

Poetry is not just a form of expression, but it is an art that requires creativity, imagination, and skill. Ben Jonson, a renowned poet and playwright of the seventeenth century, has beautifully captured the essence of poetry in his masterpiece, "Poetry It Is Not Growing Like A Tree." This poem is a perfect example of how poetry is not just a natural growth but requires hard work and dedication.

The poem is a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines, and follows the traditional rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The structure of the poem is simple, yet the message it conveys is profound. The poem begins with the line, "Poetry it is not growing like a tree," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is trying to convey that poetry is not something that grows naturally like a tree, but it requires effort and hard work.

The first quatrain of the poem talks about how poetry is not something that can be plucked like a fruit from a tree. The poet says that poetry is not something that can be easily obtained, but it requires effort and dedication. The line, "Nor yet like a herb that springeth green," further emphasizes the point that poetry is not something that grows naturally like a herb, but it requires cultivation.

The second quatrain of the poem talks about how poetry is not something that can be learned from books. The poet says that poetry is not something that can be taught, but it requires natural talent and creativity. The line, "Nor is it like the stones in the street," further emphasizes the point that poetry is not something that can be found lying around like stones on the street.

The third quatrain of the poem talks about how poetry is not something that can be obtained through imitation. The poet says that poetry is not something that can be copied, but it requires originality and uniqueness. The line, "Nor is it voice or tune or words alone," further emphasizes the point that poetry is not just about the words, but it requires a unique voice and tune.

The final couplet of the poem sums up the message that the poet is trying to convey. The poet says that poetry is something that requires hard work, dedication, and creativity. The line, "But, like the olive tree, it needs the sun," further emphasizes the point that poetry requires nurturing and care, just like an olive tree needs the sun to grow.

The poem is a beautiful metaphor for the art of poetry. It conveys the message that poetry is not just a natural growth, but it requires hard work and dedication. The poet is trying to convey that poetry is not something that can be easily obtained, but it requires effort and creativity. The poem is a reminder that poetry is not just about the words, but it requires a unique voice and tune.

The poem is also a reflection of the poet's own journey as a writer. Ben Jonson was a prolific writer who wrote plays, poems, and masques. He was known for his wit, satire, and ability to capture the essence of human nature. His works were not just a natural growth, but they required hard work and dedication. The poem is a reflection of his own journey as a writer and a reminder that creativity requires effort and dedication.

In conclusion, "Poetry It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a masterpiece by Ben Jonson that beautifully captures the essence of poetry. The poem is a reminder that poetry is not just a natural growth, but it requires hard work and dedication. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own journey as a writer and a reminder that creativity requires effort and dedication. The poem is a beautiful metaphor for the art of poetry and a reminder that poetry is not just about the words, but it requires a unique voice and tune.

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