Poetaster

It appears that he conceived some grudge against the actors, and apparently against Shakespeare and other playwrights, for, in 1601, his Poetaster is a satire both on playwrights and on actors, whom he calls "apes."

Shakespeare, Bacon, and the Great Unknown Andrew Lang 1878

"Poetaster" as a peacemaker, and, under the name of Virgil, honoured him as the greatest master of poetry.

The Man Shakespeare Frank Harris 1893

As against this interpretation, one contemporary witness has been held to testify that Shakespeare stemmed the tide of Jonson's embittered activity by no peace-making interposition, but by joining his foes, and by administering to him, with their aid, the identical course of medicine which in the 'Poetaster' is meted out to his enemies.

A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles Sidney Lee 1892

{218} The proposed identification of Virgil in the 'Poetaster' with

A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles Sidney Lee 1892

But such a conclusion is nowhere corroborated, and seems to be confuted by the eulogies of Virgil in the 'Poetaster' and by the general handling of the theme in 'Hamlet.'

A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles Sidney Lee 1892

Jonson figures personally in the 'Poetaster' under the name of Horace.

A Life of William Shakespeare with portraits and facsimiles Sidney Lee 1892

In this attempt to forestall his enemies Jonson succeeded, and "Poetaster" was an immediate and deserved success.

Every Man in His Humor Ben Jonson 1605

* The best account of this whole subject is to be found in the edition of 'Poetaster' and 'Satiromastrix' by

Every Man in His Humor Ben Jonson 1605

While hardly more closely knit in structure than its earlier companion pieces, "Poetaster" is planned to lead up to the ludicrous final scene in which, after a device borrowed from the

Every Man in His Humor Ben Jonson 1605

This he hurriedly adapted to include the satirical characters suggested by "Poetaster," and fashioned to convey the satire of his reply.

Every Man in His Humor Ben Jonson 1605