IT IS NOT GROWING LIKE A TREE By Ben Jonson

Life Cycle of Man

Infancy

Childhood

Old age

Death

Life Cycle of a Tree

Seed/ Sprout

Sapling

Mature oak

Snag

Born: June 11, 1572Born: June 11, 1572 Westminster, London EnglandWestminster, London England Died: August 6, 1637Died: August 6, 1637 Westminster, London EnglandWestminster, London England Occupation: Dramatist, poet Occupation: Dramatist, poet

and actorand actor

BEN BEN JONSONJONSON

Unlocking of difficulties through context clues

sere – The tree fell because it is bald and sere. (withered, strong, young)

bulk – A bulk family produces good children. (separate, individual, mass)

oak – A century tree is considered an oak tree. (soft, weak, durable)

"It's Not Growing Like a Tree" by Ben Jonson.

It is not growing like a treeIn bulk, doth make men better be;Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:

"It's Not Growing Like a Tree"

A lily of a dayIs fairer far in May,Although it fall and die that night— It was the plant and flower of light.In small proportions we just beauties see;And in short measures life may perfect be.

"It's Not Growing Like a Tree"

It is not growing like a treeIn bulk, doth make men better be;Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:

"It's Not Growing Like a Tree"

A lily of a dayIs fairer far in May,Although it fall and die that night— It was the plant and flower of light.In small proportions we just beauties see;And in short measures life may perfect be.

Comprehension Response

1. What does the author say about the process of “making men better”?

2. What is said about the oak’s period of existence? How it is compared with the lily’s span of life? What kind of life is presented by the oak tree? by the lily?

Comprehension Response

3. Distinguish between existing for a long time without meaning and living for a short time with accomplishment.

4. Discuss the author’s idea of living a short but meaningful life.

Valuing

1. How can parents prepare their children for a better life? Can you suggest ways of making life meaningful though brief?

Valuing

2. One of the realities of life that a person has to face is death. What is your concept of death? If you were given only three months to live by your doctor due to confirmation of cancer, how would you live each of your 90 days in a meaningful way.

Generalization

EvaluationEvaluation

How can persons make their lives more meaningful and memorable?

Assignment

A. Read and Study “The Neclace” by Guy de Manpassant

B. Voc. Words1. Coquetlish boudoir2. suppleness of wit3. sohinxlike smile

Assignment Unfold the storyA. Initial SituationB. ConflictC. ResolutionD. ClimaxReference: English Communication Arts and

Skills Through World LiteratureSerano and Lapid Pages 243-249