BEN JONSON Meaning and
Definition
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Ben Jonson was an English playwright, poet, and literary critic who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his works that exemplify the comical side of Elizabethan drama and his unique dramatic style.
As a playwright, Jonson was a master of the comedy of humors, a popular theatrical genre at the time that focused on satirizing various aspects of society by contrasting characters with exaggerated personality traits. The characters in his plays often represented different humors, such as choleric, melancholic, sanguine, or phlegmatic, which brought laughter and entertainment to the audience. Jonson's notable comedies include "Every Man in His Humour" and "Volpone."
In addition to his talent as a playwright, Jonson also made a mark as a poet. He was highly regarded for his elegiac verse, which was characterized by its skillful use of classical forms and themes. Jonson's poetry often explored subjects of love, mortality, and the role of the poet in society. His most famous work in this genre is the collection of poems titled "The Forest."
Jonson's critical mind and keen observations of literary works also led him to become an influential literary critic. He was one of the first English writers to establish rules and principles for dramatic writing, as demonstrated in his work "Discoveries." Jonson's critical insights shaped the development of English drama, and his ideas greatly influenced later generations of playwrights and poets.
Overall, Ben Jonson was a versatile and accomplished figure in English literature, whose contributions as a playwright, poet, and critic have left a significant legacy.
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Etymology of BEN JONSON
The name "Ben Jonson" is not of etymological origin but rather refers to a specific person. Ben Jonson was an English playwright and poet who lived from 1572 to 1637. His birth name was Benjamin Jonson, with "Ben" being a shortened form of his given name. The etymology of the name Benjamin is Hebrew, meaning "son of the right hand". However, it is worth noting that "Jonson" as a surname is derived from "John's son", indicating the son of someone named John.
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