by Ben Jonson

The Life of Ben Jonson
Visit this site to learn about dramatist and poet Ben Jonson, who was imprisoned twice, beat a murder rap, and wrote some of the great plays and poems of the Renaissance. Links to his contemporaries, his king, and his greatest works are featured. Write a brief character analysis of Jonson from the information provided.

The Black Death
Ben Jonson wrote the elegy "On My First Son" for his son Benjamin who died from the plague in 1603. On this interactive site you can read about the Black Death as a history and from the perspectives of those living through it. After you read facts about the causes and effects of plague, with a small group of classmates, create a panel discussion about the plague. Discuss the causes of the Black Death and what might happen if there was an outbreak today.