England

The poem is primarily set in the country that Jonson and Shakespeare both made their home. It is not set in any particular place, though there are references to the rivers Avon and Thames. The role of this setting is more symbolic: it establishes Shakespeare's unique prominence as a national writer.

The Book

The poem is also set within the Folio itself. This is literally true – that is the physical location in which it is published – but it also represents a key place where the poem's themes are explored. The book becomes the site through which Jonson considers ideas of artistic success and poetic immortality.