Ben Jonson’s Lyrical Puzzles

Worksheet Description

This worksheet centers around the poem “XV: To Heaven” by Ben Jonson and is designed to help students practice identifying the literary device of chiasmus within a text. Students are instructed to read the poem and underline lines that exhibit chiasmus, where the structure of phrases is reversed to create an impactful meaning. The worksheet blends the analytical task of detection with the pleasure of reading poetry, turning it into a scavenger hunt for literary figures within Jonson’s heartfelt verses. By engaging with this activity, students not only enjoy the beauty of Renaissance poetry but also sharpen their literary analysis skills.

The worksheet is an educational tool that aims to teach students about the chiasmus by applying it to a classic poem. It encourages close reading and attention to detail, as students must carefully parse the poem’s language to spot the inverted phrases characteristic of chiasmus. This exercise enhances students’ ability to recognize and understand rhetorical devices in poetry, a key component of literary analysis. Furthermore, the worksheet promotes an appreciation for the poetic form and the skillful use of language, enriching students’ understanding of English literature.