Summary:
“Song: To Celia” is a lyric poem by Ben Jonson that explores themes of love, admiration, and unfulfilled desire. The speaker expresses his deep affection for Celia, comparing his love to a divine thirst that cannot be quenched by ordinary means. He asks for a meaningful exchange of emotions, hoping that Celia’s glance or breath will sustain him more than wine or material pleasures. The poem also uses the imagery of a wreath of roses that, even when returned by Celia, retains her essence, symbolizing the speaker’s unwavering devotion and the lasting impact of love. The tone of the poem is both romantic and idealistic, reflecting the passionate yet unattainable nature of the speaker’s love.
MCQs:
- What is the central theme of “Song: To Celia”?
A) The fleeting nature of time
B) The power of true love and admiration
C) The importance of wealth in relationships
D) The inevitability of death
Answer: B) The power of true love and admiration - What does the speaker prefer over wine?
A) Celia’s love and affection
B) A life of solitude
C) A wreath of flowers
D) A golden goblet
Answer: A) Celia’s love and affection - What does the phrase “Drink to me only with thine eyes” suggest?
A) The speaker desires Celia’s physical presence
B) Love can be conveyed through glances, not just material gestures
C) The speaker wants Celia to drink from his cup
D) The speaker is asking Celia to leave him
Answer: B) Love can be conveyed through glances, not just material gestures
Song To Celia - What happens to the wreath the speaker sends to Celia?
A) She wears it proudly
B) She keeps it as a token of love
C) She returns it, but it still carries her fragrance
D) She throws it away
Answer: C) She returns it, but it still carries her fragrance - What literary device is used in “But might I of Jove’s nectar sup”?
A) Simile
B) Metaphor
C) Allusion
D) Hyperbole
Answer: C) Allusion - How does the speaker view Celia’s love?
A) As something spiritual and sustaining
B) As a burden he wishes to escape
C) As a temporary passion
D) As something worthless and weak
Answer: A) As something spiritual and sustaining - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Bitter and regretful
B) Romantic and idealistic
C) Indifferent and cold
D) Angry and resentful
Answer: B) Romantic and idealistic - What does the speaker suggest about material pleasures like wine?
A) They are necessary for love to thrive
B) They are insignificant compared to true love
C) They symbolize the bitterness of love
D) They are the best way to express emotions
Answer: B) They are insignificant compared to true love - What is the structure of “Song: To Celia”?
A) A sonnet
B) A free verse poem
C) A lyric poem with rhymed couplets
D) A haiku
Answer: C) A lyric poem with rhymed couplets - What does the speaker’s sending of the wreath symbolize?
A) A test of Celia’s loyalty
B) His desire for his love to be accepted
C) A symbol of wealth and power
D) A farewell gift before parting ways
Answer: B) His desire for his love to be accepted
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Song: To Celia |
| Poet | Ben Jonson |
| Year Written | Early 17th century |
| Type of Poem | Lyric Poetry |
| Theme(s) | Love, Devotion, Spiritual Connection |
| Literary Device(s) | Allusion, Metaphor, Symbolism |
| Tone | Romantic, Idealistic |
| Main Idea | The speaker expresses deep admiration and longing for Celia, valuing love over material pleasures. |
| Notable Imagery | Drinking with eyes, the wreath carrying Celia’s fra |