Eng 306 - Poetry Paper - on My First Daughter and on My First Son - Ben Jonson

Bridging the Gap

Wesley Jones

ENG/306

February, 1, 2016

Paul Moore

Poetry through the 17th and 18th century is seen to be very unique, almost more unique than any other century. Why is this? Because poetry during this time carried a metaphysical nature when binging written, along with that came a deeper meaning when topics like love, possessions, trust, life, death, and innocence when it was presented. Other great things that writers were able to write about during this century was the afterlife and if other really went to heaven when it was all said and done, and all of these subjects can be seen in all the poems that have been selected.

First there is the great Ben Jonson and the two wonderful poems he wrote, Jonson talks about his experiences with not only losing his first daughter but his first son as well “On My First Daughter” and “On My First Son”. Jonson displays his pain that he is feeling during the time of them passing away, but he also is able to show some peace of mind during this time as well. This peace of mind is shown big time in Jonson’s poem (On My First Daughter) “Whose soul heaven’s queen, whose name she bears, In comfort of her mother’s tears, Hath placed amongst her virgin-train.” Although the reader is able to feel the different tones during the pain and his joy, this is a great example of the amazing way that poetry at this time was used during this time.

When we look at Anne Bradstreet, we are able to see that she is dealing with great grief because of both her home and possessions being lost. “The flame consume my dwelling place. And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, that laid my goods now in the dust.” But just like Ben Jonson readers can see that Anne Bradstreet shows a level of peace and comfort during this poem also, this comes after Bradstreet starts to realize that the things she has lost (material possessions) on earth isn’t going to compare to the possessions that she has waiting for her in heaven. “Then straight I 'gin my heart to chide: And did thy wealth on earth abide, Didst fix thy hope on mouldring dust, The arm of flesh didst make thy trust? Raise up thy thoughts above the sky That dunghill mists away may fly. Thou hast a house on high erect Fram'd by that mighty Architect, with glory richly furnished Stands permanent, though this be fled. It's purchased and paid for too By him who hath enough to do.” It’s clear that the three poems are going through a time of loss as well as grief, but each poet expresses their belief in not only religion but Heaven as well. But along with these comes a tone that is comforting and alerts readers that the life they will have after the one they are living is much better than the one they are living now.