What is the theme of Jonson's On my first son?

Answer 1

The main idea is the death of Johnsons first son. Jonson is writing his feelings on what he should feel about his sons death. Jonson writes to his son as if his son could hear or read his words. Jonson speaks of his son saying his son is "child of my right hand" , assuming that he would be the next up for the thrown. Jonson also talks about his own sin, was loving him to much as if it were the cause of his sons death. Towards the end of the poem he speaks of his sons death as a loan or a sacrifice of some sort. As if his son was put down here for a certain amount of time and now he has to return/repay the favor to god and give him back. And in a way he is glad that his son is in a better place.