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 travel back to the fourteenth century and the time of the Black Death. Follow the rat to discover the scope of the deadly plague and to learn facts about its causes and its effects. 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.