The Book

The book symbolizes the eternity of written work. Most plays in the era were not preserved for the long term, and of course a performance onstage is necessarily fleeting. By celebrating the book as a physical object, Jonson explores the idea that a literary work can live forever.

Muses

Muses symbolize artistic inspiration. The muses were a group of nine ancient Greek goddesses, who were worshipped as the inspiration for poets, painters, and musicians alike. Jonson indicates in the poem that Shakespeare had a special relationship with the muses.

Cloth

Cloth represents the various processes of creation. Jonson uses the extended metaphor of spinning, weaving, and dressing someone in new-made clothes to indicate the many different steps of the creative process.

The laurel

The laurel symbolizes artistic success and acclaim. In ancient Greece, the winners of dramatic competitions were crowned with wreaths made from the...