It is popularly believed that poets are born, not made. But Ben Jonson does not subscribe to this view. He holds that inborn talent alone would not make one a great poet unless he enriches and refines that talent with industry and practice. Therefore, according to Ben Jonson, a person must possess or cultivate the following qualities and qualifications in order to become a great poet.
1 ) Ben Jonson says that in the first place a poet must enrich, refine and enlighten the inborn spark of poetry in him by study, exercise, art and imitation of renowned poets. Natural endowment must be sharpened by training and practice. So Ben Jonson says, “First we require in our poet or maker, a goodness of natural wit. The poet must be able by nature and instinct to pour out the treasure of his mind.”
2) Even if a poet fails to produce something great in his first attempt, he must not lose heart or patience, and try again and again. He should not end up as a rhymer. A rhymer and a poet are two different entities. Art and practice would turn a rhymer into a poet.
3) The third requisite for a great poet is his power of imitation. According to Plato, a poet is an imitator, but he must imitate either nature or a highly talented poet. Let him choose one great poet and imitate him. But his imitation must not be servile and he should draw forth the best and choicest pearls from him.
4) In the fourth place, he must develop “an exactness of study and multiplicity of reading which makes a full man. “
5) And finally, he must cultivate art. Ben Jonson sums up by saying that ‘inborn talent’ is the basic condition, but it cannot come to fruition without industry, practice and art.
1. A poet must improve his talent by practicing.
1. A poet must improve his talent by practicing.
2. He must be patient and try until he succeeds in creating genuine poetry.
3. He must have the power of imitation.
4. He must develop an exactness of study and multiplicity of reading.
5. He must cultivate art.
