Scribd
Upload
114 views7 pages

Ben Johnson

Uploaded by

englishliteraturerb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
114 views7 pages

Ben Johnson

Uploaded by

englishliteraturerb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Ben Johnson

-Introduction
-Important Works
-Writing Style
-Important Themes
• Ben Johnson (1572-1637) was an English poet, playwright, and actor.
He is considered to be one of the most important writers of the
Jacobean and Caroline eras. Johnson was born in London and educated
at Westminster School. He began his career as an actor and playwright
in the early 1600s. He quickly became one of the most successful
playwrights in London, and his plays were performed at the Globe
Theatre and the Blackfriars Theatre. Johnson's plays are known for their
wit, satire, and social commentary. Some of his most famous plays
include Volpone, The Alchemist, and The Duchess of Malfi. Johnson was
also a prolific poet, and he wrote a number of sonnets, masques, and
other poems. He was a member of the Mermaid Club, a group of poets
and playwrights who met to drink and discuss literature. Johnson died
in London in 1637.
• Volpone (1606)
• The Alchemist (1610)
• The Duchess of Malfi (1614)
• The Changeling (1622)
• The Staple of News (1626)
• The New Inn (1629)
• The Silent Woman (1609)
• Bartholomew Fair (1614)
• Here are some of Ben Johnson's most famous poems:

• "To the Memory of My Beloved Master, William Shakespeare"


• "Sonnet 130"
• "Sonnet 131"
• "Sonnet 132"
• "Sonnet 133"
• "Sonnet 134"
• "Sonnet 135"
• "Sonnet 136"
• Wit: Jonson's writing is often witty and ironic. He uses humor to make
his points and to engage the reader's attention.
• Satire: Jonson is a master of satire. He uses his wit to expose the
follies and vices of his characters and his society.
• Learning: Jonson was a well-educated man, and his writing is full of
classical allusions and references to other works of literature.
• Moralistic and didactic: Jonson's writing is often moralistic and
didactic. He uses his plays and poems to teach his readers about the
importance of virtue and the dangers of vice.
• Ben Jonson's plays often explore a variety of themes, but some of the most common
include:

• The nature of truth and falsehood: Jonson was interested in the nature of truth and
falsehood, and how they can be used to deceive and manipulate others. This theme is
explored in plays such as Volpone and The Alchemist.
• The importance of social order: Jonson believed that social order was essential for a stable
and prosperous society. This theme is explored in plays such as Epicoene and Bartholomew
Fair.
• The dangers of ambition: Jonson was aware of the dangers of ambition, and how it can lead
to corruption and self-destruction. This theme is explored in plays such as Sejanus and The
Devil Is an Ass.
• The power of love: Jonson was also interested in the power of love, and how it can both
inspire and destroy. This theme is explored in plays such as Volpone and The Alchemist.
• The role of the artist: Jonson was a self-conscious artist, and he was interested in the role of
the artist in society. This theme is explored in plays such as Every Man in His Humour and
The Alchemist.
Thanks for Watching! :)

You might also like