The Poetaster

"The Poetaster" by Ben Jonson is a comedic play written during the early 17th century. The work satirically addresses the world of poets and playwrights, featuring figures like Ovid and several contemporary characters in a humorous examination of literary aspirations, rivalries, and the nature of art itself. The story unfolds within the setting of Rome, where Jonson's character critiques the pretensions and failings of fellow poets and dramatists, particularly targeting the playwright John Marston. At the start of "The Poetaster," we are introduced to themes of envy and artistic ambition through the character of Envy, who expresses disdain for the artistic community. The Prologue, depicted as an armed figure, reflects Jonson's defensive stance against criticism and set the tone for a battle against detractors. As we meet Ovid, he is caught between the expectations of his father, who wants him to pursue law, and his passion for poetry. The opening establishes a backdrop of comedic tension as various characters engage in witty exchanges, highlighting the absurdity of their literary pursuits and the societal pressures they face. This sets the stage for a nuanced critique of artistic integrity and shows the increasingly troublesome interactions between poets within Jonson's vibrant and satirical depiction of Roman society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Benjamin Jonson was an English playwright and poet. Jonson's artistry exerted a lasting influence on English poetry and stage comedy. He popularised the comedy of humours; he is best known for the satirical plays Every Man in His Humour (1598), Volpone, or The Fox, The Alchemist (1610) and Bartholomew Fair (1614) and for his lyric and epigrammatic poetry. He is regarded as "the second most important English dramatist, after William Shakespeare, during the reign of James I."