Best Ben Jonson Plays
#1 The Isle of Dogs (1597)
While not one of his most famous plays, or even one of his best, it certainly is an important part of the cannon of his work solely for the fact that it landed him in gaol! Unfortunately, dear reader, there are no known copies in existence. Not even on Amazon, I know.
Isle of Dogs landed Jonson and friends in jail for what was reported to the authorities as a “lewd plaie” and full of “slanderous matter”. Isle of Dogs was a satirical comedy and it’s believed that it directly satirised the Queens councillors themselves, as lap dogs, hence the suppression and ultimate erasure of the play. The charges were later dropped on Jonson and pals.
#2 Every Man In His Humor (1598)
Now this play is largely credited as the introduction of Comedy of Humors to English literature. It follows the latin model quite closely, however before 1598 there is no record of this sub-genre in English literature. The play follows a man who is concerned about the moral development of his son, so he decides to spy on his son. However his espionage is continually thwarted by his servant, Brainworm, who he employs for this very purpose. Jonson also went on to write a “sequel?” to this called Every Man Out of His Humor which did not meet as great a success. It also starred this guy you might have heard of, actor and playwright William Shakespeare and was first performed at The Globe Theatre.
#3 Eastward, Ho! (1605)
Here we find ourselves at the beginning of the Jacobean Era and consequently the United Kingdom. Why was it united you ask? Well because England had run out Kings and Queens so they asked Scotland if they could borrow theirs and thus a United Kingdom was born. This play is a city comedy about Touchstone, a London goldsmith, and his two apprentices, Quicksilver and Golding. The play had a strong anti Scottish sentiment and was seen as an attack on the newly crowned King, and you’ll never guess what happened next! That’s right; Jonson was sent back to jail. [5, 48]
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: |