Poetry
4. The Noble Nature [Ben Jonson]
Meaning For References
| 1] bulk | size, quantity, mass |
| 2] doth | old form of ‘does’ |
| 3] oak | a large tree with hard wood |
| 4] log | the trunk of a dead tree |
| 5] bald | without leaves, flowers etc |
| 6] sere | without moisture, dry |
| 7] proportion | quantities; measures |
Annotation For References
a] It is not growing like a tree; In bulk doth make Man better be
b] A lily of a day; Is fairer far in May
c] It was the plant and flower of Light
d] And in short measure life may perfect be
2. Answer the following questions : [ 2x 4 = 8 Marks ]
1] Discuss the aptness of the title ‘The Noble Nature’ for the poem
2] Bulk does not make Man better be. How does the oak support this stand?
3] Explain with the example of the lily that size matters not but beauty counts a lot.
Introduction: These lines are taken from the poem “The Noble Nature” written by “Ben Jonson “.
About the poet: Ben Jonson the 17th-century playwright, is regarded as the second most popular English dramatist after Shakespeare. He is very well known for his comedy of humor like “Everyman in His Humour”. As a poet, he proved his expertise with his lyrics .
Context: The poem “The Noble Nature” tells us about the usefulness of our life it is not how long you live matters but how well you lived. The poem talks about what makes a man noble. The poet employs examples from flora to drive his point becoming a great man does not mean growing like a tree neither long life nor large size can help one attain nobility.
He compares man to sturdy Oak tree and a delicate Lily in order to do this. The Oak tree grows big and bulky and lives too long it lives for 300 years, it looks dull and unimpressive soon it becomes a lifeless dry, and withered piece of log. So too will be the fate of a man who is only blessed with long life and physical and material well-being on the other hand Lily is shiny and bright in looks. In May, the lily flower flourishes for a day and shines for a short while. Yet, it pleases many. Beauty-even in the little measures-fills hearts with thrills. Quality adds nobility to life. Smartness, even in small measures, impress and impacts everyone It is not how long we live that matters but how well we lived.
Conclusion: Thus, the poet highlights the points that quantity counts
more than quality. Matter matters, not the magnitude. This is the message from this poem.
OR
Introduction: These lines are taken from the poem “The Noble Nature” written by “Ben Jonson “.
About the poet: Ben Jonson , is regarded as the second most popular English dramatist after Shakespeare. He is very well known for his comedy of humor like “Everyman in His Humour”. He proved his expertise with his lyrics .
Context: The poem “The Noble Nature” tells us about the usefulness of our life it is not how long you live matters but how well you lived. The poem talks about what makes a man noble.
He compares man to sturdy Oak tree and a delicate Lily in order to do this. The Oak tree grows big and bulky and lives too long it lives for 300 years, soon it becomes a lifeless dry, and withered piece of log. So too will be the fate of a man who is only blessed with long life, In May, the lily flower flourishes for a day and shines for a short while. Yet, it pleases many. It is not how long we live that matters but how well we lived.
Conclusion: Thus, the poet highlights the points that quantity counts
more than quality.