Similarities and Differences of Jonson's "To Penshurst" and Marvell's "Upon Appleton House" Katie Walker College

Andrew Marvell’s “Upon Appleton House” and Ben Jonson’s “To Penshurst” share similarities characteristic of the English “Country House” poem, but they also contain notable differences from each other. Both “To Penshurst” and “Upon Appleton House” describe the respective estates and family life of the poets’ patrons in idyllic terms. An admiration for the aristocracy also serves to reveal artistic dependence on patronage at this time period, as well as the need to uphold their high station so as to preserve the social hierarchy. The poets differ in portrayal of perfection, however. Marvell’s drawn-out work, more complicated in its praise, focuses primarily on the superiority of the Fairfaxes, and also makes a broader reference to issues relating to politics and religion that Jonson either ignores entirely or merely glances over. Jonson, in a more straightforward manner, obsequiously describes the Sidneys as having a beautiful and luxurious lifestyle, but is especially interested in their generosity, which he claims is reflected in the external features of their palatial district. Both poets paint their patrons as the apex of perfection in all matters, made manifest in the homes that they depict in detail. Although there are...