'Hymn To Diana' by Ben Jonson


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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair,
Now the sun is laid to sleep,
Seated in thy silver chair,
State in wonted manner keep:
Hesperus entreats thy light,
Goddess excellently bright.

Earth, let not thy envious shade
Dare itself to interpose;
Cynthia's shining orb was made
Heaven to clear when day did close:
Bless us then with wishèd sight,
Goddess excellently bright.

Lay thy bow of pearl apart,
And thy crystal-shining quiver;
Give unto the flying hart
Space to breathe, how short soever;
Thou that mak'st a day of night,
Goddess excellently bright.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Hymn To Diana by Ben Jonson: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

The world of literature is full of amazing works that have stood the test of time, captivating readers for generations. One such masterpiece is the poem "Hymn To Diana" written by Ben Jonson. This poem is a tribute to the Roman goddess of the hunt and moon, Diana, and it is an excellent example of Jonson's mastery of poetic language and form.

Historical Context

Before we delve into the poem, it is essential to understand the historical context in which it was written. Ben Jonson was a prominent figure in the literary world of the seventeenth century. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and was known for his wit, humor, and ability to write both plays and poetry.

The poem was written in 1602 and was part of a collection of poems titled "The Forest." The collection was dedicated to Lucy, Countess of Bedford, and it included various poems that celebrated the beauty of nature and the English countryside. "Hymn To Diana" was a perfect fit for this collection as it celebrated the beauty and power of one of the most revered goddesses of the Roman pantheon.

Analysis

The poem "Hymn To Diana" is a fourteen-line poem written in iambic pentameter. It follows the structure of a sonnet, with three quatrains and a concluding couplet. The language used in the poem is rich and vivid, with powerful imagery that brings the goddess to life.

The First Quatrain

The first quatrain sets the scene and introduces the goddess, Diana. Jonson starts by referring to her as the "queen and huntress, chaste and fair," emphasizing her beauty, power, and purity. This is a common theme in Roman mythology, where Diana was revered as a virgin goddess who protected women and young girls.

Jonson then goes on to describe Diana's realm, which is the "mountain wild" where she reigns supreme. This image of the goddess being in her natural habitat, surrounded by the beauty of nature, reinforces her connection to the earth and her role as a protector of the natural world.

The Second Quatrain

In the second quatrain, Jonson continues to describe Diana's powers, this time focusing on her role as the goddess of the hunt. He describes her as the "mistress of beasts," highlighting her ability to control and tame even the wildest of creatures. This image of Diana as a powerful huntress is further reinforced by Jonson's use of language.

He uses words like "quiver," "bow," and "shafts" to create a sense of movement and action in the poem, as if Diana is in the middle of a hunt. This creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, making them feel as if they are in the presence of the goddess herself.

The Third Quatrain

The third quatrain is where Jonson shifts his focus from describing Diana's powers to praising her. He describes her as "Vesta's heir" and "Apollo's sister," highlighting her connection to other powerful Roman gods. This connection to other deities reinforces Diana's status as a goddess and emphasizes her importance in the Roman pantheon.

Jonson then goes on to praise Diana's virtues, describing her as "unconquered" and "pure." This emphasis on her purity and virtue is a common theme in Roman mythology, where Diana was revered as a protector of young women and a symbol of chastity.

The Concluding Couplet

The concluding couplet brings the poem to a close, with Jonson praising Diana's beauty once again. He describes her as the "brightest queen of air," emphasizing her connection to the moon and the night sky. This image of Diana as a luminous figure in the sky reinforces her status as a goddess and highlights her power and beauty.

Interpretation

At its core, "Hymn To Diana" is a celebration of the power and beauty of nature. Diana, as the goddess of the hunt and the moon, is a symbol of the natural world, and Jonson's vivid descriptions of her powers and virtues reinforce this connection.

The poem can also be seen as a tribute to the women of Jonson's time, who were expected to be pure and chaste. By praising Diana's virtues, Jonson is indirectly praising the virtues of women and emphasizing their importance in society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Hymn To Diana" is a masterpiece of poetic language and form. Jonson's use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a vivid image of the goddess in the reader's mind, making them feel as if they are in the presence of a powerful deity.

The poem is also a celebration of nature and the power and beauty of the natural world. It is a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving the beauty of the world around us.

Overall, "Hymn To Diana" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers today. Its themes of nature, power, and beauty are as relevant today as they were in Jonson's time, making it a testament to the enduring power of great literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Hymn To Diana: A Masterpiece of Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson, the renowned English playwright, poet, and literary critic, is known for his exceptional contribution to the world of literature. His works are still celebrated for their wit, humor, and profound insights into human nature. Among his many masterpieces, "Hymn To Diana" stands out as a classic poem that showcases Jonson's poetic genius.

The poem is a hymn to the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and childbirth. Jonson's hymn is a tribute to her beauty, power, and grace. It is a celebration of the natural world and the divine forces that govern it. The poem is written in a formal, structured style, with a regular rhyme scheme and meter. It consists of six stanzas, each containing eight lines.

The poem begins with an invocation to Diana, asking her to bless the poet's words and inspire him to sing her praises. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its vivid imagery and rich language. Jonson describes Diana as the "queen and huntress, chaste and fair," and compares her to the "silver-mantled" moon. He praises her for her "swift-footed" grace and her ability to "pierce the fearful hearts of deer."

In the second stanza, Jonson continues to extol Diana's virtues, describing her as the "goddess excellently bright." He compares her to the "golden sun" and praises her for her "pure and holy light." He also acknowledges her role as the protector of women in childbirth, calling her the "midwife's aid."

The third stanza is a tribute to Diana's power over the natural world. Jonson describes her as the "mistress of the mountains, woods, and floods." He praises her for her ability to "command the winds, control the waves," and for her "powerful sway" over the earth.

In the fourth stanza, Jonson shifts his focus to the human world, praising Diana for her role as the protector of young girls. He describes her as the "maiden's patroness" and praises her for her "chaste and spotless name." He also acknowledges her role as the goddess of the hunt, praising her for her "skillful bow."

The fifth stanza is a prayer to Diana, asking her to bless the poet and his work. Jonson asks her to "breathe into his verse" and to "inspire his pen." He also asks her to "accept his sacrifice," which is a reference to the offering of a poem as a tribute to the goddess.

The final stanza is a tribute to Diana's eternal nature. Jonson describes her as the "everlasting queen" and praises her for her "immortal fame." He acknowledges that her power and beauty will endure long after he and his words have passed away.

Overall, "Hymn To Diana" is a masterpiece of English poetry. It showcases Jonson's mastery of language, his ability to create vivid imagery, and his profound understanding of human nature. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the divine forces that govern it. It is a tribute to the power and beauty of the goddess Diana, and a prayer for her blessings and inspiration.

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