'It Is Not Growing Like A Tree' by Ben Jonson
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk doth make Man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night—
It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.
Editor 1 Interpretation
It Is Not Growing Like A Tree: A Masterpiece of Ben Jonson
Are you one of those who believes that poetry is just a bunch of words put together to sound pretty? Well, let me introduce you to Ben Jonson's "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree." This poem is a masterfully crafted piece of art that goes beyond mere words and rhymes. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will take you on a journey to explore the depths of this classic poem and discover the genius of Ben Jonson.
Background
First things first, let's get to know the author. Ben Jonson was an English playwright and poet who lived from 1572 to 1637. He was a contemporary of William Shakespeare, and they even collaborated on some plays. Jonson is known for his satirical comedies, but his poetry is equally impressive. "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" was published in his 1616 collection of poems called "The Forest." This collection was inspired by his love of nature and the countryside. "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is one of the most famous poems from this collection.
Poem Analysis
Now, let's dive into the poem itself. "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. Here is the poem in its entirety:
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make Man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
The first thing that strikes me about this poem is its simplicity. The language is straightforward and easy to understand. But don't be fooled by the simplicity of the language; there is a depth of meaning hidden beneath the surface.
The poem starts with a simile: "It is not growing like a tree." This immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Jonson is telling us that he is not talking about physical growth; he is talking about something else entirely. This is reinforced in the next line: "In bulk, doth make Man better be." Jonson is saying that physical growth does not make a person better. He could be referring to the fact that just because someone is physically large, it does not mean that they are morally or intellectually superior.
The second stanza continues this theme of growth not being the key to a better life. Jonson gives the example of an oak tree that stands for three hundred years only to fall down in the end. This is a metaphor for a person who lives a long life but does not achieve anything significant. They may have lived for a long time, but in the end, they are just "dry, bald, and sere."
The third stanza is where Jonson really starts to get into the meat of his message. He says:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night,
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In these lines, Jonson is saying that a flower that only lives for one day is more beautiful than an oak tree that lives for three hundred years. This is because the flower lived its life to the fullest in that one day. It bloomed, it was beautiful, and it was the "plant and flower of Light." Jonson is saying that it is not the length of life that matters, but what you do with it.
The final stanza ties everything together:
And this same pompous state
Fools do with Athanasius rate;
His boiling pots in ecstasies do lie,
And call it, born again: this feigned fry
Laughs at the doctrine of the Trinity.
Here, Jonson is criticizing people who value pomp and ceremony over substance. He uses the example of Athanasius, who was a theologian in the early Christian church. Athanasius was known for his fervent belief in the doctrine of the Trinity, but Jonson is saying that people who put more value in the ceremony surrounding Athanasius's beliefs than in the beliefs themselves are foolish. He calls them a "feigned fry" who "Laughs at the doctrine of the Trinity."
Interpretation
So, what does all of this mean? At its core, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a commentary on the value of life. Jonson is saying that it is not the length of life that matters, but what you do with it. He is also criticizing people who value pomp and ceremony over substance.
But there is a deeper meaning to the poem as well. Jonson was a devout Christian, and many scholars believe that this poem has a religious subtext. The lily of the valley mentioned in the third stanza is a symbol of Christ, who lived only a short life but accomplished everything he needed to in that time. The reference to Athanasius in the final stanza also supports this theory, as he was a key figure in the early Christian church.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a masterpiece of poetry. Ben Jonson uses simple language to convey a complex message about the value of life and the importance of substance over ceremony. The religious subtext adds another layer of meaning to the poem. This is a poem that can be read and appreciated on many levels. It is a true classic that still resonates today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It Is Not Growing Like A Tree: A Masterpiece by Ben Jonson
Ben Jonson, the celebrated English playwright and poet, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree," is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and appreciated by literary enthusiasts for centuries. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the line, "It is not growing like a tree," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Jonson is using a metaphor to describe the subject of the poem, which is not growing in the way that a tree does. This immediately creates a sense of intrigue and curiosity, as the reader wonders what the subject of the poem could be.
As the poem progresses, Jonson reveals that the subject is a child, who is not growing in the way that a tree does, but rather in a more complex and nuanced way. He writes, "It is growing like a child," which immediately shifts the focus of the poem from nature to humanity. This is a powerful move, as it allows Jonson to explore the complexities of human growth and development.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the child's growth. In the first stanza, Jonson describes how the child is not growing in a straight line, but rather in a more meandering way. He writes, "A straight and slender tree / That does not know where it should grow." This is a powerful metaphor for the uncertainty and unpredictability of human growth. Unlike a tree, which grows in a predictable and linear way, humans are subject to a wide range of influences that can shape their growth in unexpected ways.
In the second stanza, Jonson explores the emotional and psychological aspects of the child's growth. He writes, "And yet it has a brave / And a budding mind within." This is a powerful statement about the resilience and potential of the human spirit. Despite the challenges and obstacles that the child may face, they have the capacity to grow and develop in remarkable ways.
Finally, in the third stanza, Jonson brings the poem to a close by reflecting on the ultimate fate of the child. He writes, "And from this I do know / Being dead, it still shall grow." This is a powerful statement about the enduring legacy of human growth and development. Even after we are gone, our influence and impact can continue to grow and shape the world around us.
Throughout the poem, Jonson uses a range of literary devices to convey his message. He uses metaphor to compare the child's growth to that of a tree, and he uses imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. He also uses repetition, with the phrase "It is not growing like a tree" appearing at the beginning of each stanza, to create a sense of unity and coherence.
In terms of language, Jonson's use of simple, straightforward language is one of the poem's strengths. He avoids complex or obscure words, instead using language that is accessible and easy to understand. This makes the poem accessible to a wide range of readers, and allows the message to be conveyed clearly and effectively.
In conclusion, "It Is Not Growing Like A Tree" is a masterpiece of English literature that explores the complexities of human growth and development. Through the use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition, Jonson creates a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the resilience and potential of the human spirit. Whether you are a seasoned literary enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of poetry, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor Recommended Sites
Neo4j App: Neo4j tutorials for graph app deploymentAI Art - Generative Digital Art & Static and Latent Diffusion Pictures: AI created digital art. View AI art & Learn about running local diffusion models
Personal Knowledge Management: Learn to manage your notes, calendar, data with obsidian, roam and freeplane
Polars: Site dedicated to tutorials on the Polars rust framework, similar to python pandas
Rust Community: Community discussion board for Rust enthusiasts
Recommended Similar Analysis
Thyrsis a Monody by Matthew Arnold analysisI Do, I Will, I Have by Ogden Nash analysis
Unknown Girl In A Maternity Ward by Anne Sexton analysis
Day is Done, The by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
My Heart's In The Highlands by Robert Burns analysis
Longing by Matthew Arnold analysis
In My Craft Or Sullen Art by Dylan Thomas analysis
Psyche by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
All Day Long by Carl Sandburg analysis
Spring is like a perhaps hand... (III) by e.e. cummings analysis