Read one of Shakespeare's sonnets. Compare the sonnet's theme and structure to those of “Song: To Celia.”

Investigate the development of the ballad. How does the poem “Song: To Celia” follow the conventions of the ballad form?

Read Jonson's Volpone, focusing on the character of Celia. Do you see parallels between the Celia in the play and the Celia in the poem? What are the similarities or differences in the two characters named Celia?

Many poems of the Elizabethan era have a clear rhythm that would make them easy to set to music. How do you think Jonson's poem would sound put to music? Do you think it would be fast or slow? Try reciting Jonson's poem to music you hear on the radio, such as pop, rock, jazz, or hip-hop. What musical category do you think best suits this poem? Explain...