Ben Jonson, a luminary of English Renaissance literature, stands out as a towering figure next to Shakespeare, particularly known for his mastery of "comedy of humours." However, Jonson also made significant contributions to the realm of tragedy with works like Sejanus His Fall. This exploration delves into Jonson's venture into tragic drama, examining the thematic elements and historical context that render Sejanus His Fall a compelling, albeit challenging, work.

Jonson's Comedic Legacy and Tragic Ambitions

Renowned for his comedies such as Volpone: Or, The Fox and The Alchemist, Jonson carved a niche with plays that skillfully interwove humor with social commentary. His "comedy of humours" showcased characters dominated by singular traits, leading to societal upheavals and eventual comic relief. Despite this, Jonson's creative urges drove him towards the gravitas of tragedy, a genre defined by the classical unities of time, place, and action. Unlike his comedies, these tragedies were structured to follow a compressed timeline, set in one location, and focused on a singular narrative arc.

Jonson's theoretical approach to tragedy remained rooted in classicism. He adhered to traditional elements, such as the chorus, which provided commentary, and avoided onstage violence. The classical tragic hero, a figure of nobility bringing about their downfall through a grave error, was central to this form. However, Jonson's Sejanus His Fall marked a departure from these conventions, introducing a more modern perspective to the tragic genre.

The Unfolding of Sejanus His Fall

Premiering in 1603 at the Globe Theatre, Sejanus His Fall was Jonson’s maiden foray into tragedy. Shakespeare himself purportedly graced the stage as Tiberius. Yet, Jonson deviated from classical norms in several respects. The narrative unfolds over several months, with frequent scene changes and a diverse cast embroiled in various plotlines. The absence of a traditional chorus and explicit depiction of violence also set this tragedy apart from its classical forebears.

Despite Jonson's attempts to innovate, audiences of his time failed to appreciate the play’s novel attributes, leading to its lukewarm reception. However, contemporary critics recognize Sejanus His Fall not only for its historical insight but also for its enduring exploration of power dynamics and societal decay. The play is now seen as a precursor to modernist themes, challenging audiences to consider the dark machinations underlying political entities.

A Machiavellian Dance of Power

The drama of Sejanus His Fall is steeped in an atmosphere of political intrigue and moral desolation. Jonson crafts a narrative around the historical backdrop of the Roman Empire, transforming it into a modern allegory of totalitarianism. The story chronicles the rise and eventual downfall of Sejanus, a political operative who manipulates fear and uncertainty to control the populace.

Within this oppressive regime, the characters lack individuality and serve merely as cogs in a formidable bureaucratic apparatus. Sejanus, lacking the depth of a Shakespearean villain, is a mere pawn in a grandiose political game. His superior, Tiberius, embodies the ultimate Machiavellian figure, steering the empire from the shadows. Together, they depict a society where personal ambition supplants moral integrity, and where even seemingly upright individuals like Lepidus and Arruntius are reduced to passive observers.

The Fragmentation of Self and State

Jonson employs vivid imagery to underscore the disintegration of both individual identity and societal cohesion. Characters are metaphorically dismembered, their fragmented bodies symbolizing the loss of agency and autonomy. This imagery of dislocation and fragmentation extends to the state itself, which becomes a machine of treachery, perpetuating a cycle of violence and betrayal.

In this fractured world, traditional bonds of kinship and honor are meaningless. Macro's betrayal of his own family epitomizes the moral decay enveloping Rome....