To Penshurst

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To Penshurst

Ben Jonson, 1616

Nov 17, 2023

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I’m quite fond of this week’s poem for Poetry Aloud, as it’s a fine example of one of the great traditional English styles, from Ben Jonson, Shakespeare’s friend and fellow actor, director, and playwright. That style is straightforward and bluff, like a good English meal of roast beef and potatoes, so it’s easy to take it for granted, but as the saying…

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Poetry Aloud

Poetry Aloud will help you learn how to read poetry with your ears. Unlike children with bad table manners, poetry is meant to be heard and not just seen. Join Anthony Esolen every other week (or so) as he introduces and discusses a longish poem and then reads it aloud.