Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sejanus, His Fall" is a play by the English Renaissance playwright and poet Ben Jonson. Jonson was born in 1572 and is known for his works that explored themes of satire, morality, and classical literature.

Context:

"Sejanus, His Fall" was first performed in 1603, during the Jacobean era in England. The era was marked by the continuation of the cultural and artistic developments of the Elizabethan era, as well as political and religious conflicts.

Content:

"Sejanus, His Fall" is a play that explores the downfall of the Roman politician and military commander Lucius Aelius Sejanus, who rose to power during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Jonson's play portrays Sejanus as a manipulative and ambitious figure who seeks to undermine Tiberius and seize power for himself, but ultimately meets a tragic end.

Some of the themes are:

• Ambition: The play explores the theme of ambition through the character of Sejanus, who seeks to undermine Tiberius and seize power for himself. Jonson portrays Sejanus as a manipulative and ambitious figure who is ultimately brought down by his own desire for power.
• Corruption: The play also explores the theme of corruption, both in terms of the political corruption within the Roman Empire and the corruption of individual characters. Sejanus, Tiberius, and other characters are portrayed as morally corrupt figures who are willing to do whatever it takes to gain power and maintain their position.
• Betrayal: The play features numerous instances of betrayal, as characters turn on one another in pursuit of their own interests. Sejanus is betrayed by his own followers, and Tiberius ultimately betrays Sejanus in order to protect his own position.
• Power: The play explores the theme of power, both in terms of the struggle for power between Sejanus and Tiberius, and the broader question of how power is wielded and maintained within a political system.
• Loyalty: The play also explores the theme of loyalty, as characters are forced to choose between their loyalty to Sejanus or their loyalty to Tiberius. Jonson portrays loyalty as a complex and often conflicted concept, with characters struggling to reconcile their personal interests with their sense of duty and allegiance.

Form:

"Sejanus, His Fall" is written in a five-act structure and features a range of characters, including Sejanus, Tiberius, and other figures from Roman history. The form of the play is consistent with the conventions of Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, which often featured complex plots and themes.

Poetic Elements:

Although "Sejanus, His Fall" is primarily a play, Jonson's use of language and dialogue can be considered a form of poetry. Jonson uses a range of poetic devices in the play, including metaphor, imagery, and rhetorical questions, to convey the themes of ambition, power, and corruption.

Summary:

"Sejanus, His Fall" is a complex and nuanced play that reflects Jonson's exploration of the themes of power and corruption in Roman history. Jonson's use of language and dialogue create a sense of dramatic tension and contribute to the play's exploration of these themes. Although the play may be challenging to read and interpret, it is a notable example of Jacobean drama and offers insight into the cultural and artistic developments of the era. Overall, "Sejanus, His Fall" is a valuable contribution to the canon of English literature.