Summary:
“On My First Son” is a poem by Ben Jonson, written as an elegy for his son, who died at the age of seven. The poem expresses deep sorrow and regret, as Jonson struggles with the pain of losing his child. He reflects on the nature of life and death, questioning whether he should envy his son for escaping the hardships of life. The poem also explores themes of grief, love, and resignation, as Jonson ultimately tries to find solace in the belief that his son is in a better place. The poem’s tone is mournful yet philosophical, as Jonson acknowledges both his love for his son and the inevitability of death.
MCQs:
- What is the central theme of “On My First Son”?
A) The fleeting nature of wealth
B) A father’s grief over his son’s death
C) The triumph of love over loss
D) The beauty of childhood
Answer: B) A father’s grief over his son’s death - How old was Jonson’s son when he passed away?
A) 5 years old
B) 10 years old
C) 7 years old
D) 12 years old
Answer: C) 7 years old - What does Jonson refer to his son as?
A) His greatest sorrow
B) His best piece of poetry
C) His source of inspiration
D) His lost dream
Answer: B) His best piece of poetry
On My First Son - What is Jonson’s attitude towards death in the poem?
A) He sees it as a cruel fate
B) He considers it a form of release from suffering
C) He believes it is unnatural and unfair
D) He expresses indifference
Answer: B) He considers it a form of release from suffering - Why does Jonson feel he should not mourn too much?
A) Because his son is in a better place, free from life’s miseries
B) Because he has other children to comfort him
C) Because grief is a sign of weakness
D) Because he believes his son will be reborn
Answer: A) Because his son is in a better place, free from life’s miseries - What does Jonson vow at the end of the poem?
A) To never love anything too much again
B) To write a longer elegy for his son
C) To cherish his memories forever
D) To seek revenge on fate
Answer: A) To never love anything too much again - What type of poem is “On My First Son”?
A) Sonnet
B) Elegy
C) Ode
D) Epic
Answer: B) Elegy - What literary device is used when Jonson calls his son his “best piece of poetry”?
A) Metaphor
B) Simile
C) Personification
D) Alliteration
Answer: A) Metaphor - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Joyful and celebratory
B) Reflective and sorrowful
C) Angry and vengeful
D) Hopeful and optimistic
Answer: B) Reflective and sorrowful - How does Jonson justify his son’s death?
A) By blaming fate and misfortune
B) By believing his son was taken as a divine blessing
C) By stating that his son was too pure for the world
D) By saying that he never truly loved his son
Answer: B) By believing his son was taken as a divine blessing
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | On My First Son |
| Poet | Ben Jonson |
| Year Written | 1603 |
| Type of Poem | Elegy |
| Theme(s) | Grief, Love, Loss, Acceptance |
| Literary Device(s) | Metaphor, Apostrophe |
| Tone | Mournful, Reflective |
| Main Idea | A father’s sorrow for his deceased son |
| Significance | Personal reflection on the pain of loss |
| Writing Style | Poetic, Philosophical, Emotional |