Summary:
“Inviting a Friend to Supper” by Ben Jonson is a poem in which the speaker warmly invites a friend to a modest yet sincere meal. Unlike extravagant feasts, the speaker emphasizes simplicity, honesty, and companionship over luxury and excess. The poem contrasts true hospitality with the corruption and artificiality often associated with wealth and power. Jonson suggests that a meal shared in friendship, without fear or pretense, is more valuable than lavish dining in the company of insincere individuals. The poem reflects themes of friendship, contentment, and the value of sincerity over material wealth.
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Question | Answer |
Poem Name | Inviting a Friend to Supper |
Poet | Ben Jonson |
Type of Poem | Epistolary, Invitation Poem |
Main Theme(s) | Friendship, Hospitality, Simplicity |
Tone | Warm, Joyful, Inviting |
Literary Devices Used | Irony, Contrast, Metaphor |
Purpose | To highlight the value of sincerity over wealth |
Historical Context | Reflects the Renaissance values of modesty and honesty |
Writing Style | Conversational, Reflective, Poetic |
Key Message | True hospitality is about sincerity, not extravagance |