"Still to Be Neat" Analysis

Jonson: "Still to Be Neat"

I deem this poem has literary worth not only because its brilliantly written, but also because it exhibits marvelous traces of imagery, aesthetics, and the portrayal of an all-so-important theme. The central theme of "inner beauty" can be clearly seen through the speaker's annoyance of the woman's constant fuss over her own physical appearance. He wanted the woman's true inner beauty the shine through.  

"Still to Be Neat"

Still to be neat, still to be dressed, [Represents someone who is always trying to look neat and beautiful.]

As you were going to a feast; [Like a fancy banquet in today's time.]
Still to be powdered, still perfumed: [The woman needs to be "freshened" up with perfume and powder since baths weren't done on a regular basis.]
Lady, it is to be presumed, [Something he imagines to be probable.]
Though art's hid causes are not found, [The art hides the physical flaws of the woman.]
All is not sweet, all is not sound. [It is all not as good as it seems.]

Give me a look, give me a face, [To see the physical beauty.]
That makes simplicity a grace; [The appreciation of natural and true beauty.]
Robes loosely flowing, hair as free: [Exemplifies the natural look.]
Such sweet neglect more taketh me [The want for uncomplicated beauty instead of "fake" beauty.]
Than all the adulteries of art; [Woman's constant primping makes things bad.]
They strike mine eyes, but not my heart. [Values inner beauty over outer luxury.]

This poem contains an abundance of truth within it, which makes it really enjoyable and applicable. After reading the poem a few times, I finally realized the theme that this poem was trying to convey. The poem was short, but still was very detailed and demonstrated imagery well. Jonson did an amazing job painting images of the setting and the woman herself. He also did a great job displaying the thoughts and feelings of the speaker. True inner beauty is better than the fake complicated beauty of primp women.

I strongly believe that anyone planning on getting married should follow what Jonson is trying to say throughout his poem. To see a person's real beauty, take a look INSIDE and see where his/her heart is, especially through faith. A person with good looks and expensive clothes can sometimes be attractive, but people need to fight the urge to judge people from their outer appearances and start looking within. This poem not only applies to those getting married, but also to people who talk to others and make friends. Who cares what they look like on the outside? What truly matters to God is what lies within the person. I need to challenge myself to follow what is being said throughout Jonson's poem and remember to search within to find what true beauty really is. I can specifically apply this to my own life by being nice to everyone in my school, including those who are not the most physically attractive. Maybe one day, one of these people will become one of my closest friends since his/her "insides" would be just so beautifully attractive!

References: 

Jonson, Ben. "Still to Be Neat." British Liturature. Ronald A. Horton. Greenville: BJU Press. 2003. 301-303. Print.