The Noble Nature by Ben Jonson | The Noble Nature | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
The Noble Nature
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night—
It was the plant and flower of Light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures life may perfect be.
line-by-line explanation of the poem
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be;
Explanation
The poem opens with a challenging thought: physical size or longevity do not define good character. Merely growing like a tree, towering in stature, isn’t enough to make someone a better person.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: The poet uses a tree as a metaphor for a man who grows in size or quantity.
Alliteration: The repetition of the ‘b’ sound in “bulk” and “better” creates alliteration
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
Explanation
Even living for an impressive 300 years like an oak isn’t enough. If one hasn’t cultivated inner virtue or found meaning, they eventually become a lifeless log, devoid of purpose.
Poetic devices
Symbolism: The oak tree symbolizes longevity and endurance.
Imagery: The poet creates a vivid image of an oak tree standing for three hundred years, only to fall and become a dry, lifeless log.
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Explanation
The poem introduces a contrasting image: the ephemeral beauty of a “lily of a day,” a flower that blooms and fades within a single day. Even though it has a short lifespan, its peak beauty in May surpasses that of the aged oak.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: The lily is used as a metaphor for a man’s life.
Imagery: The poet creates a vivid image of a lily blooming beautifully in May and dying the same night.
Although it fall and die that night—
It was the plant and flower of Light.
Explanation
Even though the lily blooms for only a day, it lived its short life with radiant beauty and purpose. It was a “plant and flower of Light,” symbolizing virtue and meaning.
Poetic devices
Metaphor: “plant and flower of Light” – symbolizes the lily’s virtue and meaningfulness.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
in short measures life may perfect be.
Explanation
The poem concludes with a powerful message: true beauty and perfection can be found in small things and short lives. If lived with purpose and virtue, even a brief life can be fulfilling and meaningful.
Poetic devices
Alliteration: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “small”, “see”, “short” and ‘m’ sound in “measures” and “may” creates alliteration
Summary
“The Noble Nature” is a poem by Ben Jonson, an English playwright, poet, and contemporary of William Shakespeare. In this poem, Jonson reflects on the nature of personal growth, emphasizing that the true essence of nobility is not determined by physical size or longevity.
The poem begins by rejecting the idea that physical growth, like that of a tree, necessarily makes a person better. Jonson argues that a man’s worth is not determined by the bulk of his stature or the length of his existence. He uses the metaphor of an oak tree that stands for three hundred years only to fall as a dry, bald, and withered log. This image conveys the idea that mere physical existence or endurance does not guarantee true nobility or worth.
Jonson then contrasts this with the ephemeral beauty of a lily that blooms for just one day in May. Despite its short-lived nature, the lily is described as fairer, representing the plant and flower of light. This imagery suggests that true beauty and nobility are found in qualities beyond physical appearance or longevity.
The poem concludes with the idea that genuine beauty and nobility are best appreciated in small proportions and short measures. In other words, it’s not the quantity or duration of one’s life that matters most, but the quality of one’s actions and character. Jonson encourages the reader to recognize that perfection in life can be achieved in modest and concise experiences.
Overall, “The Noble Nature” encourages a reevaluation of traditional notions of nobility and suggests that true worth is found in the intangible qualities of character and virtue rather than in physical attributes or the passage of time.
Key Points
Author: Ben Jonson (originally Benjamin Jonson) was an English playwright, poet, and literary critic of the seventeenth century. His artistry exerted a lasting impact upon English poetry and stage comedy.
Form: The structure of “The Noble Nature” by Ben Jonson consists of five rhymed couplets. Each couplet is a pair of lines, and the poem has a total of ten lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCCDDAA, indicating that the first and second lines of each couplet rhyme with each other, and this pattern is maintained throughout the poem. The consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality and formality.
Speaker: The speaker in the poem is the poet himself, Ben Jonson.
Setting: The setting of the poem is not explicitly stated, but the use of nature imagery suggests an outdoor setting.
Theme: The theme of the poem is the concept of nobility and beauty. The poem suggests that these qualities are not about size or longevity, but about quality and impact.
Plot: The poem does not tell a story, but it describes a fact in a very simple and direct way.
Tone: The tone of the poem is philosophical and reflective.
Style: The style of the poem is simple and direct. The poet uses metaphors and imagery of nature to convey his message.
Message: The message of the poem is that the little things make a much bigger and deeper impact than larger things. The poet talks about how making small improvements matter rather than trying to become something completely different all at once.
Word Meaning
| Line | Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| 2 | Bulk | Mass, Size | बड़ा |
| 2 | Doth | Does | करता है |
| 3 | Oak | a type of tree known for its strength and longevity | बलूत |
| 4 | Log | A section of the trunk of a tree | लट्ठा |
| 4 | Bald | Without hair | गंजा |
| 4 | Sere | Withered, dry | सूखा हुआ |
| 5 | Lily | A type of flower | कुमुदिनी |
| 6 | Fairer far | More beatiful | कहीं अधिक सुंदर |
| 7 | Although | Even though | हालांकि |
| 7 | Fall | To drop or descend freely | गिरना |
| 9 | Proportions | Relative size or extent | अनुपात |
| 9 | Beauties | Beautiful qualities | सुंदरताएँ |
| 10 | Measures | Amounts, quantities | माप |
| 10 | Perfect | Complete, flawless | पूर्ण |
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem?
Ben Jonson.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The true essence of nobility and beauty.
How does the poet describe the growth of a man in the first line?
Not like the physical growth of a tree.
What does the oak tree symbolize in the poem?
Longevity and endurance.
In the poem, what is compared to a lily?
A day.
What season is mentioned in connection with the lily’s beauty?
May.
What is the fate of the oak tree in the poem?
It falls as a dry, bald, and withered log.
What metaphor is used for the lily in the poem?
The plant and flower of Light.
According to the poet, where do we find true beauties?
In small proportions.
How does the poem describe life in short measures?
Life may be perfect in short measures.
What type of rhyme scheme does the poem follow?
AABBCCDDAA.
What is the symbolic significance of the lily in the poem?
Represents ephemeral beauty.
What does the poet suggest about the value of physical size in determining nobility?
Physical size does not determine nobility.
What quality does the lily possess despite its short-lived existence?
It is the plant and flower of Light.
What does the poet emphasize about the appreciation of beauty?
Genuine beauty is best appreciated in small proportions.
What imagery is used to describe the fate of the oak tree?
Falling as a dry, bald, and withered log.
How does the poet challenge traditional notions of nobility in the poem?
By emphasizing qualities beyond physical appearance and longevity.
Short Answer Questions
What is the central theme of “The Noble Nature”?
The central theme of “The Noble Nature” is the concept of nobility and beauty. The poem suggests that these qualities are not about size or longevity, but about quality and impact.
How does the poet use metaphors in the poem?
The poet uses metaphors of a tree and a lily to illustrate the concept that greatness is not about size or longevity, but about quality and impact.
What is the significance of the oak tree in the poem?
The oak tree in the poem symbolizes a man who grows in size or quantity. Despite its size and long life, it eventually falls and becomes a dry, lifeless log.
What is the significance of the lily in the poem?
The lily in the poem symbolizes a man’s life. Despite its short lifespan, the lily is considered the plant and flower of light.
What is the message of the poem?
The message of the poem is that the little things make a much bigger and deeper impact than larger things. The poet talks about how making small improvements matter rather than trying to become something completely different all at once.
What is the effect of the poem’s rhyme scheme?
The rhyme scheme of AABBCCDDAA gives the poem a rhythmic quality, enhancing its readability and impact.
How does the poet use nature to convey his message?
The poet uses metaphors and imagery of nature, specifically an oak tree and a lily, to convey his message about the value of quality and impact over size and longevity.
What is the effect of the poem’s reflective tone?
The poem’s reflective tone invites readers to ponder the poet’s philosophical views on the nature of nobility and beauty.
How does the poem’s structure contribute to its meaning?
The poem’s structure, consisting of five couplets, each forming a complete thought or idea, contributes to its meaning by providing a clear and concise presentation of the poet’s philosophical views.
What is the significance of the lily dying the same night it blooms?
The lily dying the same night it blooms symbolizes the fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the poem’s message about the value of quality and impact over longevity.
Essay Type Questions
1. Write the critical appreciation of the poem.
Introduction
“The Noble Nature” is a profound poem by Ben Jonson, a notable figure in 17th-century English literature. Known for his plays and poems, Jonson’s work often reflects deep philosophical thought, presented through simple yet impactful language. “The Noble Nature” is no exception, offering a contemplative exploration of the nature of beauty and nobility.
Structure, Form, and Rhyme Scheme
The poem is structured into five couplets, each consisting of two lines. This structure lends a rhythmic quality to the poem, enhancing its readability and impact. The form of the poem is a short lyric, a style often used by Jonson in his poetry. The rhyme scheme of the poem is AABBCCDDAA, which means that the first- and second-lines rhyme with each other, the third- and fourth-lines rhyme, and so on. This consistent rhyme scheme further contributes to the poem’s rhythmic quality.
Theme
The central theme of “The Noble Nature” is the concept of nobility and beauty. The poem suggests that these qualities are not about size or longevity, but about quality and impact. This theme is presented through the metaphors of a tree and a lily, symbolizing different approaches to life and growth.
Imagery
Jonson uses vivid imagery in “The Noble Nature”, particularly through his metaphors of the tree and the lily. The tree, despite its size and long life, eventually falls and becomes a dry, lifeless log. On the other hand, the lily, though it lives only for a day, is beautiful and brings light to the world. These images serve to illustrate the poem’s theme and message.
Poetic Devices
Jonson skillfully employs various poetic devices to enhance the depth and impact of the poem:
Metaphor: The comparison between personal growth and the physical growth of a tree serves as a metaphor, conveying the idea that physical stature does not necessarily lead to nobility.
Symbolism: The oak tree symbolizes longevity and endurance, challenging the conventional association of these qualities with nobility.
Personification: Referring to the lily as the “plant and flower of Light” personifies it, suggesting qualities beyond its physical appearance.
Paradox: The idea that true beauties are best appreciated in small proportions creates a paradoxical statement, inviting readers to reflect on conventional notions of beauty and nobility.
Alliteration: Instances like “fairer far” contribute to the poem’s musicality, creating a rhythmic quality in the language.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Noble Nature” is a reflective and philosophical poem that explores the nature of beauty and nobility. Through its simple structure and form, consistent rhyme scheme, vivid imagery, and effective use of poetic devices, the poem presents a profound message about the value of quality and impact over size and longevity. It serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in small things and to live life to the fullest, no matter how short it may be. As such, “The Noble Nature” stands as a testament to Jonson’s ability to convey deep philosophical thought through simple yet impactful language.
