Jonson Volpone

"Volpone" is a satirical comedy play written by Ben Jonson, an English playwright, poet, and literary critic. The play was first performed in 1606 and is considered one of Jonson's major works. "Volpone" is known for its sharp wit, intricate plotting, and satirical examination of greed and deception. Key features of "Volpone" include: 1. **Plot and Characters:** The play revolves around the central character, Volpone, a wealthy Venetian magnifico who feigns a severe illness to attract legacy hunters willing to offer him gifts in the hope of inheriting his fortune. The plot involves a series of deceitful schemes and subplots. 2. **Themes of Greed and Deception:** "Volpone" satirizes the themes of greed, avarice, and the corruption of the legal system. The characters engage in various forms of deception, highlighting the vices associated with the pursuit of wealth. 3. **Humor and Wit:** Jonson employs intricate wordplay, clever dialogue, and comedic situations to create a humorous and entertaining play. The humor often arises from the characters' attempts to outwit each other. 4. **Moral and Social Commentary:** Beneath the comedic surface, "Volpone" provides moral and social commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth, the hypocrisy of society, and the consequences of unchecked greed. 5. **Subplots and Supporting Characters:** The play features several subplots involving characters such as Mosca, Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino, each contributing to the overall satire and complicating the main narrative. "Volpone" is a significant example of Jacobean comedy and is praised for its skillful use of language, intricate plotting, and its exploration of timeless themes related to human nature and society.

One of the blackest comedies ever written, Ben Jonson's Volpone is the masterpiece of a playwright all too frequently dismissed for being unnecessarily dark and academic. Merciless in its depiction of avarice, this rich and masterful play provokes both laughter and indignation in its audiences. This Handbook: - Provides in-depth analysis of the play, scene by scene and line by line - Examines the multitude of interpretations of Volpone throughout history, including both on stage and screen - Explores the critical discourse surrounding the play and summarises the social and literary forces that shaped Jonson's work

A Study Guide for Ben Jonson's "Volpone," excerpted from Gale's acclaimed Drama For Students. This concise study guide includes plot summary; character analysis; author biography; study questions; historical context; suggestions for further reading; and much more. For any literature project, trust Drama For Students for all of your research needs.

Ben Jonson was a master of satire who ranks with Jonathan Swift and Voltaire. In Volpone, he tackles greed. The wealthy Venetian gentleman Volpone is as cunning as a fox, and he pretends to be very ill and dying in order to entice legacy-hunters to give him valuable gifts in hopes of being named his heir. This works well for three years, but then This is an easy-to-read retelling of Ben Jonson's satiric masterpiece: "Volpone, or the Fox."

Interest in Ben Jonson is higher today than at any time since his death. This new collection offers detailed readings of all the major plays - Volpone, Epicene, The Alchemist and Bartholomew Fair - and the poems. It also provides significant insights into the court masques and the later plays which have only recently been rediscovered as genuinely engaging stage pieces.

This edition analyzes four of Jonson's works, including Volpone, The Alchemist, Every Man in His Humour, and Bartholomew Fair.

These much-studied and frequently performed comedies by the great Elizabethan playwright satirize the greed, mendacity, gullibility, and pretension that Jonson saw rampant in 17h-century London society. Both plays feature colorful characters, ingenious plotting, biting wit, and sharp insight into human nature. This is the only edition to include both plays in one, inexpensive volume.