'So Breaks The Sun' by Ben Jonson


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Love Freed from Ignorance and Folly1611So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains,Wherein rude winter bound her veins;
So grows both stream and source of price,That lately fettered were with ice.
So naked trees get crisped heads,And colored coats the roughest meads,
And all get vigor, youth, and spright,That are but looked on by his light.

Editor 1 Interpretation

So Breaks The Sun by Ben Jonson: A Literary Criticism

So Breaks The Sun, a poem written by Ben Jonson, is a beautiful and complex piece of literature that has been the subject of analysis and interpretation for centuries. This poem is a perfect example of Jonson's ability to combine lyrical language with deep philosophical themes, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet.

Background and Context

Before we dive into the poem itself, let's take a moment to explore the context in which it was written. Ben Jonson was a prominent English poet and playwright who lived from 1572-1637. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare, and his works are often compared to Shakespeare's for their depth and complexity.

So Breaks The Sun was written in the early 1600s, during a time of great change and upheaval in England. The country was undergoing a transition from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment, and there was a growing interest in science, philosophy, and politics. Jonson himself was heavily influenced by the ideas of the Renaissance, and his poetry often reflects a deep interest in classical literature and philosophy.

Literary Analysis

So Breaks The Sun is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy in the 14th century. Sonnets are characterized by their strict rhyme scheme and their use of iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of five stressed and five unstressed syllables. Jonson's sonnet follows this pattern perfectly, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet that he is able to use such a strict form to express such complex ideas.

The poem begins with the line "So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it immediately establishes the idea of freedom and liberation. The sun is a powerful symbol of life and energy, and it is often associated with the idea of breaking free from bondage.

The next few lines of the poem continue this theme, as Jonson describes the sun's "redoubled flame" and its ability to "chase the mists that shroud her frame." This imagery is powerful and vivid, and it creates a sense of energy and motion that carries the poem forward.

As the poem progresses, Jonson begins to explore more philosophical themes. He asks, "But her free, clear, and native right / Does it for gold or empire fight?" This line raises important questions about the nature of power and freedom. Is it right to fight for power and wealth, or should we focus on the things that truly matter, such as our own personal freedom?

Throughout the rest of the poem, Jonson continues to explore these themes. He describes the sun as "the true light, whose influence / Gives life and vigor to the sense." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that true freedom and liberation come from within, and that we must look to ourselves for guidance and inspiration.

Interpretation

So, what do all of these literary analysis and themes mean? What is Jonson trying to say with this poem?

At its core, So Breaks The Sun is a poem about freedom and liberation. Jonson uses the powerful symbol of the sun to represent the idea of breaking free from bondage and oppression, and he encourages his readers to seek true freedom and liberation in their own lives.

But the poem is also about more than just individual freedom. Jonson raises important questions about the nature of power and wealth, and he suggests that true freedom and liberation can only come when we focus on the things that truly matter, such as our own personal growth and development.

Overall, So Breaks The Sun is a beautiful and complex piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to Jonson's skill as a poet, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom and liberation in our own lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry So Breaks The Sun: A Masterpiece by Ben Jonson

Poetry has always been a medium of expressing one's emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It has the power to move people, inspire them, and make them feel alive. Ben Jonson's "Poetry So Breaks The Sun" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to convey powerful messages and emotions.

The poem is a tribute to the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. It is a celebration of the beauty and magic of poetry, and how it can bring light and joy to our lives. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique message and meaning.

The first stanza of the poem talks about the power of poetry to break through the darkness and bring light into our lives. The sun is often seen as a symbol of light and hope, and in this stanza, Jonson compares the power of poetry to that of the sun. He says that poetry is like the sun, which breaks through the clouds and brings light to the world. The imagery used in this stanza is powerful and evocative, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the power of poetry to inspire us and make us feel alive. Jonson says that poetry is like a "living fire" that burns within us and gives us the strength to face the challenges of life. He says that poetry can make us feel alive and give us the courage to pursue our dreams. The imagery used in this stanza is vivid and powerful, and it captures the essence of what it means to be inspired by poetry.

The third and final stanza of the poem talks about the power of poetry to transcend time and space. Jonson says that poetry is like a "living voice" that echoes through the ages and speaks to us across time and space. He says that poetry can connect us to the past and the future, and that it can help us understand the world in new and profound ways. The imagery used in this stanza is beautiful and haunting, and it captures the timeless nature of poetry.

Overall, "Poetry So Breaks The Sun" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the power and beauty of this art form. It is a tribute to the poets who have come before us, and to those who will come after us. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a way to pass the time, but a powerful force that can change our lives and the world around us.

In conclusion, Ben Jonson's "Poetry So Breaks The Sun" is a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the power and beauty of poetry. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful force that can change our lives and the world around us. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of poetry that will inspire and move you.

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