1. Subject Matter and Theme:
"On My First Son" is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the emotions of grief, loss, and parental sorrow following the death of Jonson's infant son. The poem delves into the private and intimate realm of the poet's personal life.
In contrast, "Song to Celia" presents a lighthearted and playful tone. It is a conventional Petrarchan love poem that celebrates the beauty, charms, and virtues of a woman named Celia. The speaker playfully compares her to various mythical figures and natural elements, extolling her perfection.
2. Tone:
"On My First Son" strikes a somber and melancholic tone. Jonson's grief and sorrow are evident in the language and imagery he employs, evoking a sense of profound loss and sadness.
On the other hand, "Song to Celia" is characterized by its flirtatious and complimentary tone. The speaker uses witty language and hyperbolic metaphors to create a lighthearted, almost jubilant ambiance, conveying the joy and adoration he feels for Celia.
3. Poetic Devices:
In "On My First Son," Jonson employs various poetic devices to enhance the emotional impact of his verse, including personification, metaphors, and allusions to classical mythology. The poem's imagery is often dark and symbolic, reflecting the speaker's internal turmoil.
In "Song to Celia," Jonson uses traditional poetic devices such as similes, metaphors, and conceits to express his admiration for Celia. The poem is more straightforward in its language and imagery, without the dense allusions or complex symbolism found in "On My First Son."
Overall, the greatest difference between Ben Jonson's "On My First Son" and "Song to Celia" lies in the subject matter, tone, and poetic techniques employed. "On My First Son" is a deeply personal and emotional elegy, while "Song to Celia" is a lighthearted celebration of love and beauty. These contrasting works demonstrate the versatility and range of Jonson's poetic abilities, highlighting his mastery of different styles and his ability to evoke a variety of emotions in his readers.