The Noble Nature by Ben Jonson Questions Answers
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.
