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Every Man in His Humor   By: (1573-1637)

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Every Man in His Humor, written by Ben Jonson, is a delightful play that offers a humorous exploration of human nature and the different personalities that define our society. Set in London during the late 16th century, the play ambitiously aims to showcase the diverse range of characters that emerge in a bustling city.

The story revolves around the lives of several individuals, each representing a distinct humor or temperament. Through witty dialogues and comical situations, Jonson brilliantly captures the essence of these characters and their idiosyncrasies. From the boisterous and foolhardy to the melancholic and overly serious, Every Man in His Humor is a veritable gallery of personalities that feels both familiar and timeless.

One of the play's greatest strengths lies in its masterful use of language. Jonson's writing is sharp, clever, and overflowing with ingenious wordplay. Each line brims with double entendre, puns, and satirical wit, making it a feast for anyone who enjoys the beauty and power of language. The playwright's skill shines through his ability to craft unrestrained comedy, while still delivering astute social commentary beneath the surface.

Furthermore, the play's structure is meticulously designed to entertain and engage its audience. The plot is tightly woven, and the pacing is well-maintained, ensuring a rapid succession of funny situations and unexpected twists. This ensures that Every Man in His Humor remains captivating from beginning to end, keeping the reader or viewer thoroughly amused and entertained.

Beyond its entertainment value, the play also offers a perceptive examination of human behavior and the follies that plague us all. Jonson presents the audience with a mirror, reflecting the various flaws and quirks that define us as individuals. In doing so, he encourages self-reflection and introspection, while delivering his social criticism in a lighthearted and non-threatening manner.

However, it's worth noting that some modern readers or viewers may find the language and cultural references of the play challenging to grasp. As a work from a different era, Every Man in His Humor requires a certain level of patience and openness to fully appreciate its brilliance. Nevertheless, those who are willing to delve into this world of humor and human nature will undoubtedly find it a rewarding experience.

In conclusion, Every Man in His Humor is a timeless comedy that manages to entertain, enlighten, and engage its audience. Ben Jonson's skillful characterizations, clever wordplay, and astute observations on human nature make this play a true gem of Elizabethan theater. A must-read for anyone looking for an intellectually stimulating and deeply amusing literary experience.

First Page:

EVERY MAN IN HIS HUMOR

(The Anglicized Edition)

By Ben Jonson

INTRODUCTION

THE greatest of English dramatists except Shakespeare, the first literary dictator and poet laureate, a writer of verse, prose, satire, and criticism who most potently of all the men of his time affected the subsequent course of English letters: such was Ben Jonson, and as such his strong personality assumes an interest to us almost unparalleled, at least in his age.

Ben Jonson came of the stock that was centuries after to give to the world Thomas Carlyle; for Jonson's grandfather was of Annandale, over the Solway, whence he migrated to England. Jonson's father lost his estate under Queen Mary, "having been cast into prison and forfeited." He entered the church, but died a month before his illustrious son was born, leaving his widow and child in poverty. Jonson's birthplace was Westminster, and the time of his birth early in 1573. He was thus nearly ten years Shakespeare's junior, and less well off, if a trifle better born. But Jonson did not profit even by this slight advantage. His mother married beneath her, a wright or bricklayer, and Jonson was for a time apprenticed to the trade. As a youth he attracted the attention of the famous antiquary, William Camden, then usher at Westminster School, and there the poet laid the solid foundations of his classical learning... Continue reading book >>




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