THE PERFECT LIFE

                                 

                                   THE PERFECT LIFE  

Central Idea of the Poem

The poem 'The Perfect Life' presents the picture of life through beautiful and contrasting images.The poet says that a short and meaningful life is far better than a life that is long but uneventful.The poet compares the long life to an oak tree that grows tall and lasts for hundreds of years but is of no use to anyone.On the other hand, a lily is short-lived but it spreads sweetness and beauty all around . It gives joy to the people. Ben Jonson, in short, says life can be made beautiful and prefect even in a small life span.

     It is not growing like a tree 

     In bulk, doth make Man better be,

     Or standing as an oak, three hundred year,

     To fall a log at last, dry, bald and sere;

     A lily of a day

     Is fairer far in May.

     Although it fall and die that night_

     It was the plant and flower o'light.

     In small proportions we just beauties see.

     And in short measures life may perfect be.

                                                                                                                                          by Ben Jonson