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Ben Jonson

By BryanPL
  • Jun 11, 1572

    Birth of Ben Jonson

    Date: June 11, 1572
    Place: Westminster, London, England
    Biographical Info: Born to a father who was a minister and a mother who remarried a bricklayer after his father's death.
  • Period: 1580 to

    His Education

    School: Westminster School
    Influence: Influenced by the classical education emphasizing Latin and drama, which shaped his literary pursuits.
  • Period: to

    The Nine Years War

    The Nine Years' War in Ireland, the French Wars of Religion, the Anglo-Spanish War, and the Long Turkish War.This conflict saw Irish Gaelic lords, led by Hugh O'Neill, rise up against English rule in Ireland.
  • First Marriage

    First Marriage

    Spouse: Anne Lewis
    Children: Had three children; only one survived infancy.
  • Period: to

    Military service

    He served in the English military during the Nine Years' War against Ireland.
    Impact: This experience influenced his later works, particularly in themes of honor and valor.
  • Literary Rivalry

    Literary Rivalry

    Rivalry with Shakespeare.
    Impact: Jonson's critical perspectives on Shakespeare's work led to a famous exchange between the two playwrights.
  • First play

    First play

    Title: "Every Man in His Humour"
    - Publication Date: 1598
    Description: A comedic exploration of human behavior and folly, focusing on the concept of "humours" in personality.
  • Court Appointment

    Court Appointment

    He became the official poet for King James I.
    Impact: This position elevated his status and provided financial security.
  • Major work

    Major work

    Title: Volpone
    -Publication Date: 1605
    Description: A satirical comedy about greed and deception, centering on a wealthy conman and his scheming servants.Scholars often praise Volpone for its masterful plotting, sharp wit, and relentless satire of human greed.
  • Political Context

    Political Context

    Event: Professional life coincided with significant political turmoil, including the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. A failed assassination attempt by a group of English Roman Catholic conspirators against King James I of England and the Protestant ruling class on November 5, 1605.
    His works often reflect societal tensions and moral questions of the time.

  • Influence of Classical Literature

    Event: Strong influence from Roman playwrights such as Plautus and Terence.
    Impact: His works often reflect classical themes and structures.
  • Later works

    Later works

    Title: The Alchemist
    Publication Date: 1610
    Description: A comedic tale of deception involving a con artist and his accomplices, set in a house beset by gullible clients. Considered Jonson's most famous play. Written a few years after Volpone, The Alchemist is widely regarded as Jonson's most popular and famous work.

  • Civic Honors

    Event: He was elected as the first Poet Laureate of England in 1616.
    Impact: This title recognized his contributions to English literature.

  • Second Marriage

    Spouse: Mary, a widow.
    This marriage was more stable than his first.

  • Health Issues

    Event: Suffered from various health problems later in life, including gout.
    Impact: His declining health affected his writing output.
  • Period: to

    Final Years

    Event: Despite health issues, Jonson continued to write until late in life, producing works such as The New Inn.
    Impact: His late works reflect a maturation of his comedic style.
  • Death

    Death

    Date: August 6, 1637
    Place: Westminster, London, England
    Biographical Info: Jonson was buried in Westminster Abbey, a testament to his literary significance.
  • Period: to

    Legacy

    His influence persisted long after his death, impacting the development of English drama. His works are still studied and performed today, showcasing his enduring relevance.
  • Period: to

    Awards and Recognition

    Event: Mostly recognized for his contributions to English literature, including various adaptations of his plays.
    Impact: His influence on comedy and satire continues to be celebrated in literary circles.
  • Period: to

    Major Productions

    Event: The Alchemist and Volpone remain staples in theatre repertoires worldwide.
    Impact: His plays are frequently adapted and interpreted in modern contexts.

  • Influence on Future Playwrights

    Event: His works influenced later playwrights such as Molière and George Etherege.
    Impact: Established a foundation for English comedy.

  • Sources

    (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ben-Jonson)
    (https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095842583) (https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/cambridge-companion-to-english-literature-16501740/8E9E4D6B8C4A5FA8A69DE79C8B5A8C44)
    (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-complete-works-of-ben-jonson-9780198122171) (https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/vtht20) (http://www.benjonson.org/) (https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/discover/blogs/ben-jonson/)