Understanding Jonsonian Principles in Literature and Drama
Understanding Jonsonian Principles
The term “Jonsonian” refers to the literary and dramatic principles and stylistic characteristics associated with the English playwright, poet, and critic Ben Jonson (1572-1637). Jonson was a staunch advocate for classical ideals in literature, emphasizing clarity, order, decorum, and adherence to established rules derived from ancient Greek and Roman writers like Horace and Aristotle.
Comedies of Humours
In his dramatic works, particularly his comedies of humours such as Every Man in His Humour and Volpone, Jonson famously employed the theory of humours, where characters are dominated by a single, defining trait or obsession, often leading to satirical and exaggerated portrayals of human folly. His comedies typically feature tightly constructed plots, didactic moral purposes, and a focus on exposing the vices and follies of his contemporary society.
Poetic Style
Jonson’s poetic style is characterized by its precision, intellectual rigor, and a deliberate avoidance of excessive ornamentation. He favored classical forms and meters, crafting well-structured and often epigrammatic verses that celebrated friendship, virtue, and the arts, while also delivering sharp satirical critiques.
Influence and Legacy
His influence extended beyond his own writing; Jonson was a central figure in the literary circles of his time, known for his critical pronouncements and his role as a mentor to a younger generation of writers, often referred to as the “Tribe of Ben” or the “Sons of Ben.” These writers admired his classical learning, his dedication to craft, and his robust and often opinionated personality.
Jonsonian Aesthetic
The Jonsonian aesthetic, with its emphasis on discipline, moral purpose, and classical foundations, provided a significant counterpoint to the more romantic and imaginative tendencies of some of his contemporaries and left a lasting legacy on English literature and dramatic theory.