Current Search: BRADLEY, MARY T. (x)
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Title
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DIANA, HECATE, LUNA: MOON SYMBOLISM IN THREE PLAYS BY BEN JONSON.
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Creator
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BRADLEY, MARY T., Florida Atlantic University, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, Department of English
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Abstract/Description
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The moon as a symbol reflects the social, religious and historical tumult of Ben Jonson's day. In Cynthia's Revels, the moon is a highly mannered, religious symbol with classical overtones. It paid tribute to Elizabeth, another virgin ruler, as well as providing the audience with an ideal of chastity to emulate. In Masque of Queens, the black face of the moon rather than the white appears. Spouting common superstitions of the day, the witches bring to mind the then current religious...
Show moreThe moon as a symbol reflects the social, religious and historical tumult of Ben Jonson's day. In Cynthia's Revels, the moon is a highly mannered, religious symbol with classical overtones. It paid tribute to Elizabeth, another virgin ruler, as well as providing the audience with an ideal of chastity to emulate. In Masque of Queens, the black face of the moon rather than the white appears. Spouting common superstitions of the day, the witches bring to mind the then current religious inquisitions and King James I's fascination with demonology. Last but not least appears Ursula in Bartholomew Fair. Lusty and capricious, she projects the image of the moon promoted by astrologers. Her lunatic influence on her "customers" underlines the impact of the telescope, which by revealing imperfections on the lunar face, brought the moon down to earth. The symbol begins as a transcendant emblem and ends as a mundane caricature.
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Date Issued
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1974
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13644
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Subject Headings
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Theater, Literature, English
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Format
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Document (PDF)
