On My First Sonne Poem Analysis
"On My First Sonne" is a poem written by the English poet Ben Jonson (1572-1637). It is an elegy mourning the death of Jonson's first son, Benjamin, who died at the age of seven. The poem, which was published in 1616, reflects Jonson's grief, pain, and attempts to come to terms with his son's untimely death. It is also an exploration of themes such as love, loss, and the transience of human life.
Structure and form:
The poem is written in iambic pentameter and follows the structure of a heroic couplet, which consists of rhymed pairs of lines (AABBCCDD). This form lends the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which mirrors the poet's attempt to reconcile his emotions and find consolation in the face of his loss.
Themes:
Love and loss: "On My First Sonne" explores the profound love a parent feels for their child and the deep pain that accompanies the loss of that child. Jonson uses the metaphor of his son as his "best piece of poetry" to express the intense pride and love he felt for Benjamin. However, this love also serves to heighten the sense of loss that the poet experiences, emphasizing the heartbreak and sorrow caused by the child's death.
The transience of human life: The poem also touches on the theme of the fleeting nature of human existence. Jonson's son's death at such a young age serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem grapples with the harsh reality of mortality, acknowledging that all life, no matter how cherished or valued, is ultimately transient.
Religious consolation: "On My First Sonne" seeks consolation for the poet's grief in religious beliefs. Jonson attempts to find solace in the idea that his son has gone to a better place, "to have so soon 'scaped world's and flesh's rage." The poem suggests that by returning to God and being spared from the hardships and suffering of earthly life, Benjamin is in a sense "fortunate." This religious perspective offers the poet a measure of comfort in the face of his immense loss.
Guilt and self-reproach: Jonson also explores feelings of guilt and self-reproach in the poem. He chastises himself for having been too attached to his son, referring to his love for Benjamin as a "sinne" and a "fault." This expression of guilt reflects the complexity of the grieving process and the internal struggle the poet experiences as he tries to come to terms with his son's death.
In summary, "On My First Sonne" is a moving and poignant exploration of love, loss, and the transience of human life. Through its exploration of parental grief and religious consolation, the poem offers insight into the complex emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one. By grappling with themes of guilt, self-reproach, and the fragility of life, Jonson's poem provides a powerful meditation on the human experience of loss and the struggle to find meaning and solace in the face of tragedy.