Hyeyeon
Please help me to interpret this poem. It was written by Ben Jonson, the 16th century poet. Does the first line mean; "please scorn or take pity on me"? and what does the word 'undone' on the third line mean? Or scorn or pity on me take, I must the true relation make, I am undone tonight. Love, in a subtle dreame disguised, Hath both my heart and me surprised, Whom never yet be durst attempt awake; Nor will be tell me for whose sake, He did me the delight or spite, But leaves me to inquire Of sleep again, who was his aid, And sleep so guilty and afraid As since be dares not come with my sight. -Ben Jonson 1
Jul 9, 2013 11:25 AM
Answers · 2
Poems can be very complex and can have many different interpretations, thus many are meant to be convoluted. The following are my interpretations: I agree with your interpretation of the first line, however, I feel that it is not being asked but it is being demanded. If the author wanted the reader to interpret it that way I would think there would be something more explicitly said. Then again, may be not. Undone here means restless, anxious, or possible lost control of oneself or crazy.
July 9, 2013
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