'So Breaks The Sun' by Ben Jonson
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So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains,
Wherein rude winter bound her veins;
So grows both stream and source of price,
That lately fettered were with ice.
So naked trees get crisped heads,
And colored coats the roughest meads,
And all get vigor, youth, and spright,
That are but looked on by his light.
Editor 1 Interpretation
So Breaks The Sun: A Critical Interpretation
Ben Jonson's "So Breaks The Sun" is a classic poem that has captivated readers for centuries. Written in the 17th century, this poem is a tribute to the power of the sun and the way it affects our lives. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's themes, structure, and language to fully appreciate its artistic value.
Structure
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry. It also allows the poet to express his ideas in a concise and structured manner. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which adds to its rhythmic quality.
Themes
The poem is primarily about the power and majesty of the sun. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the sun's rise and the way it dispels darkness. The second stanza explores the idea of the sun as a life-giving force, which sustains all living beings. The third stanza takes a more philosophical turn by suggesting that the sun's power is not absolute, and that it, too, will eventually fade away.
Language
The language used in the poem is simple and direct. The poet uses a range of metaphors and similes to convey his ideas. For example, in the first stanza, he compares the sun to a "fiery ball" and "heaven's great eye." These metaphors help to create vivid images in the reader's mind.
The poet also makes use of personification. In the second stanza, he describes the sun as "the soul of this great world." By giving the sun human qualities, the poet emphasizes its importance and power.
Interpretation
The first stanza of the poem describes the sun's rise and the way it dispels darkness. The use of the metaphor "fiery ball" suggests that the sun is a powerful and dynamic force. The line "And makes all the world to shine" suggests that the sun has the power to transform the world around us.
The second stanza goes further by exploring the idea of the sun as a life-giving force. The line "The soul of this great world" suggests that the sun is the source of all life on earth. The use of the word "soul" emphasizes the spiritual and metaphysical qualities of the sun.
The third stanza takes a more philosophical turn by suggesting that the sun's power is not absolute. The line "And all the stars that round her burn" suggests that the sun is just one of many celestial bodies in the universe. The final line, "So quick will thy bright flame expire," suggests that even the sun is subject to the laws of nature and will eventually fade away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "So Breaks The Sun" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the majesty of the sun. Through its use of metaphor, personification, and simple language, the poet conveys a range of ideas about the sun's power and importance. This poem remains relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change and the impact of human activity on our planet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
So Breaks The Sun: A Masterpiece of Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson, the celebrated English playwright and poet, is known for his exceptional works that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems is "So Breaks The Sun," a masterpiece that has captivated readers for centuries. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this poem.
The poem begins with the line "So breaks the sun earth's rugged chains." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is about the power of the sun to break free from the darkness and bring light to the world. The sun is a symbol of hope and renewal, and Jonson uses it to convey a message of optimism and resilience.
The first stanza describes the sun breaking free from the "rugged chains" of the earth. This imagery is powerful because it suggests that the earth is holding the sun back, but the sun is strong enough to break free. This is a metaphor for the human spirit, which can overcome obstacles and rise above adversity.
The second stanza describes the sun's journey across the sky, from east to west. Jonson uses vivid imagery to describe the sun's path, saying that it "runs more fast, / Than that which doth the eastern winde out-past." This suggests that the sun is moving faster than anything else in the world, which emphasizes its power and importance.
The third stanza describes the sun's effect on the world. Jonson says that the sun "gilds all the western hemisphere," which means that it brings light and warmth to the entire world. This is a metaphor for the way that hope and positivity can spread throughout the world, even in the darkest of times.
The fourth stanza describes the sun's descent into the sea, which is a metaphor for death. Jonson says that the sun "dies in the west," but he also says that it will rise again the next day. This is a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, and the idea that even though things may seem dark and hopeless at times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
The final stanza is a call to action. Jonson says that we should "rise and chase / The glowing hours with flying feet." This means that we should make the most of our time on earth and pursue our dreams with passion and determination. The poem ends with the line "Till the stars hang out their flags of gold," which suggests that we should keep striving until we reach our goals, no matter how long it takes.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. It is written in iambic pentameter, which means that each line has ten syllables and follows a pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read and remember.
Jonson also uses a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning. For example, he uses personification to give the sun human qualities, such as the ability to break free from chains and run faster than the wind. He also uses metaphors to compare the sun to other things, such as the cycle of life and death.
In conclusion, "So Breaks The Sun" is a masterpiece of English literature that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful poem that conveys a message of hope and resilience, and it is written in a style that is both beautiful and easy to understand. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true gem of English literature that is sure to inspire and uplift you.
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