Age Quote by Ben Jonson
“Soul of the Age! The applause! delight! the wonder of our stage! My Shakespeare, rise; I will not lodge thee by Chaucer, or Spenser, or bid Beaumont lie A little further, to make thee a room; Thou art a monument without a tomb.”
About This Quote
A satirical celebration of contemporary culture as a living monument, urging Shakespeare to be honored in the present rather than confined to historical reverence.
In simple terms: Modern fame as a living monument.
Key Takeaway
Celebrate current cultural impact.
Themes
celebration
satire
cultural legacy
historical vs present
literary homage
Mood
exuberant
reverent
playful
Type
celebration
satire
When to use this quote
- theatrical premieres
- literary festivals
- academic debates on canon
Key Concepts
monumentality
temporary fame
literary canon
Practical Applications
- public speeches honoring artists
- museum exhibits on modern literature
Questions to Reflect On
- How does contemporary fame compare to historical legacy?
- What does it mean to make a monument without a tomb?
