Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Heaven" is a poem by the English Renaissance playwright and poet Ben Jonson. Jonson was born in 1572 and is known for his works that explored themes of morality, religion, and classical literature.

Context:

"To Heaven" was likely written in the early 17th century, 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:

"To Heaven" is a poem that expresses Jonson's desire to attain heaven and be reunited with his loved ones who have passed away. Jonson reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, but he also expresses hope and faith in the promise of eternal life.

Form:

"To Heaven" is written in rhyming couplets and features a series of meditative reflections on the nature of life and death. The form of the poem is consistent with the conventions of religious and contemplative poetry, which often used metaphor and imagery to explore spiritual themes.

Poetic Elements:

Jonson uses a range of poetic devices in "To Heaven" to convey his reflections on life, death, and the afterlife. For example, he uses metaphor and imagery to describe the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of heaven. He also uses repetition and rhetorical questions to create a sense of introspection and to emphasize the spiritual themes of the poem.

Summary:

"To Heaven" is a contemplative and spiritual poem that reflects Jonson's desire for eternal life and his faith in the promise of heaven. Jonson's use of poetic devices and the form of the poem create a sense of introspection and meditation, and his exploration of the themes of life and death continues to resonate with contemporary readers. Although the poem may be limited in its thematic scope, it is a notable example of religious and contemplative poetry and offers insight into the cultural and artistic developments of the Jacobean era. Overall, "To Heaven" is a valuable contribution to the canon of English literature.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...