Ben Jonson When Pigs Fly

Ben Jonson's "When Pigs Fly": A Deep Dive into a Non-Existent Play and the Power of Literary Myth

The phrase "when pigs fly" is so ingrained in our everyday language that it's easy to forget its origins. While commonly attributed to Ben Jonson, a celebrated playwright of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, the truth is slightly more nuanced. There's no known play by Ben Jonson titled "When Pigs Fly." This article will explore the mythical connection between Jonson and this proverbial expression, delving into the history of the idiom, the actual works of Ben Jonson that might hint at its origins, and the larger implications of how literary myths shape our understanding of history and language.

The Myth of "When Pigs Fly" and Ben Jonson

The persistent association of "when pigs fly" with Ben Jonson is a testament to the enduring power of literary myth. It's a charming narrative: a witty, sharp-tongued playwright, crafting a comedy filled with absurd yet memorable lines, one of which becomes a timeless expression of incredulity. However, no scholarly work, no surviving manuscript, no theatrical record points to a Jonson play with this title or containing this precise phrase. The myth itself is more fascinating than the supposed play.

This speaks to a broader phenomenon: the way popular culture can mold and reinterpret historical figures and events. Jonson’s reputation as a master of satire and comedy makes him a convenient, plausible author for such a proverb. His plays are brimming with witty dialogue and clever wordplay, making it easy to imagine him crafting a phrase as perfectly encapsulating disbelief as "when pigs fly."

Exploring Jonson's Actual Works: Clues and Parallels

While a play titled "When Pigs Fly" doesn't exist, several of Jonson's works contain themes and expressions that resonate with the idiom's meaning. Jonson's comedies often feature characters who are prone to flights of fancy, unrealistic expectations, and wishful thinking. These characters’ pronouncements often highlight the gap between wishful thinking and reality, a gap that "when pigs fly" perfectly captures.

Consider the comedic situations in plays like Every Man in His Humour and Volpone. These plays are full of outlandish schemes, absurd characters, and impossible scenarios. The very nature of comedy often involves exaggeration and the suspension of disbelief. While not explicitly stating "when pigs fly," the spirit of the proverb—the impossibility of a certain event—is frequently echoed in the dramatic ironies and comical misunderstandings throughout his plays.

Furthermore, Jonson's satirical edge often targets those who indulge in unrealistic hopes or promises. His sharp wit could easily have been used to mock such excessive optimism, perhaps in a line or situation that inspired the later proverb. The underlying sentiment of incredulity and the impossibility of a highly improbable event are clearly present within the fabric of his dramatic works, even if the exact phrase remains absent.

The Evolution of the Proverb: From Obscurity to Ubiquity

The phrase "when pigs fly" likely evolved organically over time, drawing inspiration from various sources, including but not limited to Jonson's work. Proverbs are rarely born fully formed; they tend to develop gradually, accumulating layers of meaning and usage across generations. The core imagery—pigs, creatures not known for flight—is potent and easily grasped. This inherent visual absurdity makes it a memorable and effective way to convey incredulity.

The lack of a definitive origin for "when pigs fly" doesn't diminish its power or its enduring presence in our language. The very mystery surrounding its origins adds to its mystique. It’s a testament to the collective creativity of language, how phrases emerge and gain currency through repeated use and cultural transmission, rather than from a single identifiable source.

The Power of Literary Myth and its Impact on Language

The association of "when pigs fly" with Ben Jonson demonstrates the significant role that literary myths play in shaping our understanding of language and literature. Such myths, while not always historically accurate, often capture the essence of an author's style or a period's literary sensibility. The myth surrounding Jonson and the proverb creates a connection between a renowned playwright and a ubiquitous idiom, linking the past to the present in a memorable and powerful way.

The enduring appeal of the phrase lies in its universality. Regardless of cultural background or linguistic expertise, the image of a flying pig immediately conveys a sense of absurdity and impossibility. This simple, powerful image transcends the complexities of historical attribution, making "when pigs fly" a truly global expression of incredulity.

Beyond the Proverb: Jonson's Enduring Legacy

The mythical connection between Jonson and "when pigs fly," while unfounded in historical fact, doesn't diminish Jonson's substantial literary contributions. He remains a central figure in English literature, celebrated for his mastery of language, his insightful social commentary, and his groundbreaking contributions to dramatic structure and style. His plays continue to be studied and performed, demonstrating their enduring relevance and appeal.

Jonson's legacy is far richer and more complex than a single, possibly apocryphal proverb. His works reflect the social and political landscape of his time, offering sharp critiques of human folly and insightful observations on human nature. He remains a vital figure in understanding the development of English drama and the evolution of comedic techniques.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions

• Is there any evidence of Ben Jonson writing a play called "When Pigs Fly"? No, there's no evidence to suggest Ben Jonson wrote a play with this title. The connection is purely a matter of popular attribution.

• Why is Ben Jonson so often associated with this proverb? Jonson's reputation as a master of witty dialogue and satirical comedy makes him a plausible, albeit inaccurate, author for such a phrase. His comedic works often explore themes of impossibility and unrealistic expectations, aligning with the proverb's meaning.

• What is the true origin of the proverb "when pigs fly"? The exact origin remains unknown. It likely evolved organically, drawing inspiration from various sources, including possibly the general spirit of Jonson's comedic works.

• How does the myth of Jonson and "when pigs fly" relate to literary history? It highlights the power of literary myths in shaping popular understanding of history and language. Such myths, even if inaccurate, can create powerful associations and enhance the memorability of phrases and literary figures.

Conclusion: Embracing the Myth and the Reality

While Ben Jonson did not write "When Pigs Fly," the enduring myth surrounding the association reveals the fascinating interplay between historical accuracy and cultural memory. The phrase's persistence highlights the power of evocative imagery and the organic evolution of language. It underscores that even false attributions can contribute to the richness and vitality of our shared linguistic heritage. Ultimately, the story of "when pigs fly" and Ben Jonson is a captivating tale of how literary myths can become just as compelling, and perhaps even more enduring, than the historical facts themselves. Jonson's true legacy, however, remains securely cemented in his actual works, a treasure trove of wit, satire, and timeless theatrical brilliance.