Discoveries Made Upon Men and Matter and Some Poems (eBook)

Ben Jonson (c. 11 June 1572 – 6 August 1637) was an English Renaissance dramatist, poet, and actor, known for his satirical wit and classical learning. A contemporary of William Shakespeare, Jonson's reputation as a literary figure has endured through the centuries. His body of work includes a variety of plays, masques, epigrams, and other poetry, which often reflect his deep engagement with the classics and the humanist traditions of his time. His talent was demonstrated in his comedies such as 'Volpone' and 'The Alchemist,' where he intricately weaved characters and plots to criticize and satirize social vices and folly. Jonson also demonstrated a penchant for reflecting on the craft of writing itself, which is evident in 'Discoveries Made Upon Men and Matter and Some Poems' (1640), one of his few known prose works. Unlike his dramas and masques, 'Discoveries' is a collection of observations and aphorisms that gives readers insight into Jonson's perspectives on a broad range of topics including literature, writing technique, and societal observations. His literary style often gravitated towards a balanced and structured use of language, reflecting his respect for classical forms. Regarded as one of the major poets of his age, his work has continued to be of scholarly interest and remains significant for its contribution to Renaissance literature. Jonson's influence can be seen in the works of later writers and remains an enduring legacy in the study of English literature.