ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -In a striking metaphor at the heart of “On my First Son, ” Jonson equates poetry and fatherhood. He compares his son to a literary text, calling him, “[my] best piece of poetry.” In other words, fathering a son is like writing a poem: Jonson considers himself to be his son’s author.

Detailed explanation-2: -An undated comedy, The Case is Altered, may be his earliest surviving play. In 1597, a play which he co-wrote with Thomas Nashe, The Isle of Dogs, was suppressed after causing great offence. Arrest warrants for Jonson and Nashe were issued by Queen Elizabeth I’s so-called interrogator, Richard Topcliffe.

Detailed explanation-3: -The sequence of words “Ben Jonson his best piece of poetry” is slightly odd, we have to admit. Here’s the deal, though: the speaker tells his son that, if he (the son) is asked, he should tell folks that he (the son) is the “best piece” of Ben Jonson’s poetry.

Detailed explanation-4: -Ben Jonson wrote at least 18 complete plays and left fragments of two others. The play, Every Man in His Humor, is considered to be one of his best works. Other acclaimed plays include The Alchemist and Volpone.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most important theme of the poem is death. In the poem, the poet mourns his son’s early death. In the mood of grief, he suddenly realizes death is an envious state. It lightens the soul from its worldly and fleshy pain.