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.
MCQs:
- Who is the author of Inviting a Friend to Supper?
A) William Shakespeare
B) John Donne
C) Ben Jonson
D) Alexander Pope
Answer: C) Ben Jonson - What is the primary theme of the poem?
A) The importance of wealth and status
B) The simplicity and sincerity of true hospitality
C) The necessity of extravagant feasts
D) The decline of aristocratic traditions
Answer: B) The simplicity and sincerity of true hospitality - What does the speaker emphasize about the supper?
A) It will be luxurious and filled with expensive dishes
B) It will be modest but honest and enjoyable
C) It will feature exotic foods from around the world
D) It will be a grand social gathering with nobles
Answer: B) It will be modest but honest and enjoyable
Inviting a Friend to Supper - How does Jonson contrast his meal with those of the wealthy?
A) By highlighting the dishonesty and pretense of wealth
B) By claiming his meal is more expensive
C) By criticizing the cooking skills of the rich
D) By suggesting wealth is meaningless
Answer: A) By highlighting the dishonesty and pretense of wealth - What is the speaker’s attitude toward his guest?
A) Formal and distant
B) Warm and welcoming
C) Critical and condescending
D) Indifferent
Answer: B) Warm and welcoming - What does the poem suggest about friendship?
A) True friendship is based on sincerity, not material wealth
B) Friends should only gather for important occasions
C) Friendship is strengthened through lavish gifts
D) Friends should avoid discussing serious topics at meals
Answer: A) True friendship is based on sincerity, not material wealth - What literary device is commonly used in the poem?
A) Hyperbole
B) Metaphor
C) Irony
D) Alliteration
Answer: C) Irony - What does the speaker imply about his own character?
A) He values honesty and simplicity over luxury
B) He wishes he were rich enough to host a grand feast
C) He dislikes sharing food with others
D) He believes only the poor understand true friendship
Answer: A) He values honesty and simplicity over luxury - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Joyful and inviting
B) Angry and resentful
C) Depressing and sorrowful
D) Mysterious and dark
Answer: A) Joyful and inviting - What does the poem ultimately celebrate?
A) The power of wealth
B) The joy of simple pleasures and true friendship
C) The superiority of gourmet cuisine
D) The decline of noble traditions
Answer: B) The joy of simple pleasures and true friendship
| 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 |