To Celia by Ben Johnson: Summary, Analysis & Themes

Ben Jonson’s poem "To Celia" is a beautiful example of Renaissance love poetry, expressing deep affection and admiration. In this piece, Jonson uses vivid imagery and delicate language to convey his devotion and the symbolic nature of love. The poem reflects the idealization of the beloved and the way love transforms ordinary objects into symbols of profound emotion.

"To Celia" Poem Text by Ben Jonson

Drink to me, only with thine eyes,
And I will pledge with mine;
Or leave a kiss but in the cup,
And I'll not look for wine.
The thirst, that from the soul doth rise,
Doth ask a drink divine:
But might I of Jove's nectar sup,
I would not change for thine.
I sent thee late a rosy wreath,
Not so much honouring thee,
As giving it a hope, that there
It could not wither'd be.
But thou thereon didst only breathe,
And sent'st it back to me:
Since when it grows, and smells, I swear,
Not of itself, but thee.

Quick Facts

Summary of "To Celia" by Ben Jonson

In "To Celia," Ben Jonson expresses his deep love and admiration for the woman he addresses. The poem begins with a request for a drink from Celia's eyes, symbolizing that her gaze is more satisfying than any wine. Jonson suggests that the spiritual thirst he feels can only be quenched by Celia’s presence, which he values more highly than even Jove’s nectar.

The poem continues with Jonson describing a gift he recently sent to Celia—a wreath of roses. The wreath was intended to honor her, but more importantly, Jonson hoped it would remain fresh and vibrant as a symbol of his love. When Celia returned the wreath, Jonson noticed that, despite its return, the wreath continued to smell of her, indicating that her essence and presence have imbued it with a lasting significance.

Through these metaphors, Jonson conveys that his love for Celia transcends physical gifts and pleasures. Her mere presence is enough to make ordinary objects, like the wreath, symbolic of his deep affection for her. The poem encapsulates the idea that love can transform and elevate the mundane into something divine.

Critical Analysis of "To Celia" by Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson’s "To Celia" is a refined and elegant expression of love that intertwines classical references with personal devotion. The poem’s structure is simple yet effective, using a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow to mirror the purity and consistency of the speaker’s feelings. The imagery in the poem—particularly the comparison of Celia’s gaze to wine and Jove’s nectar—creates a sense of reverence and adoration.

Jonson’s use of the wreath as a symbol of enduring love is particularly striking. Despite being returned, the wreath retains its fragrance, symbolizing how Celia’s presence continues to influence and enrich the speaker’s life. This metaphor highlights the transformative power of love and its ability to make ordinary objects and experiences imbued with deeper meaning.

The poem’s tone is both intimate and idealistic, reflecting the Renaissance tradition of elevating the beloved to an almost divine status. Jonson’s ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet profound imagery makes "To Celia" a timeless piece that resonates with readers even today.

Themes in "To Celia" by Ben Jonson

• Love: The central theme of the poem is love, expressed through the speaker’s devotion and reverence for Celia. The poem explores the idea that true love is more valuable than physical pleasures.
• Devotion: The speaker’s willingness to forego wine in favor of Celia’s gaze demonstrates the depth of his devotion and the spiritual nature of his love.
• Symbolism: The rose wreath and Celia’s gaze serve as symbols of the speaker’s affection and the transformative power of love.

Literary Devices in "To Celia" by Ben Jonson

• Metaphor: Jonson uses metaphors to compare Celia’s gaze to wine and Jove’s nectar, highlighting the divine nature of her presence.
• Symbolism: The rose wreath symbolizes the speaker’s love, which persists even after the wreath is returned, showing the enduring impact of Celia’s presence.
• Imagery: Vivid imagery is employed to evoke the sensory experiences associated with love, such as the fragrance of the wreath and the visual allure of Celia’s gaze.

Stylistic Analysis of "To Celia" by Ben Jonson

The style of "To Celia" is characterized by its elegance and simplicity. Jonson’s use of a regular rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter provides a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances the poem’s lyrical nature. The straightforward language and imagery serve to convey deep emotions in a clear and relatable manner.

The poem’s structure, with its direct address and simple stanzas, allows Jonson to focus on the central themes of love and devotion without distraction. The consistency in form reflects the speaker’s unwavering feelings, while the use of classical allusions adds a layer of sophistication and timelessness to the poem.

Overall, Jonson’s style in "To Celia" effectively combines traditional poetic elements with personal expression, creating a work that is both classic and deeply heartfelt. The poem’s ability to capture the essence of love and its transformative power makes it a lasting piece of literature.