Introduction
Welcome to the vibrant world of “Volpone” by Ben Jonson 🎭! Crafted by the esteemed playwright Ben Jonson, this play takes us back to the early 17th century, specifically published in 1606. Jonson, a contemporary of Shakespeare, was renowned for his satirical works, and “Volpone” stands out as one of his masterpieces.
Set against the decadent backdrop of Venice, a city synonymous with wealth, intrigue, and a dash of moral flexibility, “Volpone” delves into themes of greed, deception, and the lengths to which people will go for wealth. The genre of the play is a comedy, but not just any comedy. It’s a comedy of humours, which in Jonson’s genius hands, critiques the obsessions and follies of society through exaggerated characters, each embodying their dominant trait or “humour.”
As we embark on this journey through the cunning plots and hilarious twists of “Volpone,” keep in mind that Jonson is not just aiming to entertain but also to reflect on the human condition. So, let’s dive in and explore the rich narrative and characters that make “Volpone” a timeless piece of literature 📚✨.
Plot Summary
“Volpone” by Ben Jonson is a tale of cunning, greed, and deception, wrapped in the allure of Venice’s opulent society.
Exposition — We are introduced to Volpone, a wealthy but childless nobleman, who pretends to be on his deathbed to dupe three greedy men (Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino) into believing they will be his sole heir. With the help of his servant, Mosca, Volpone encourages them to shower him with gifts in hope of securing his fortune.
Rising Action — Each of the three would-be heirs goes to extreme lengths to outdo the others in currying Volpone’s favor. Corbaccio disinherits his own son, Bonario, in favor of Volpone. Corvino offers his wife, Celia, to Volpone, hoping this will secure his inheritance. The plot thickens as Mosca, the clever and manipulative servant, plays each suitor against the others, enriching Volpone and himself in the process.
Climax — The scheme takes a dark turn when Volpone decides to see Celia, leading to a series of events that culminate in Bonario rescuing Celia from Volpone’s clutches. The attempt at assault and the subsequent rescue expose Volpone and Mosca’s schemes to the light.
Falling Action — In the chaos that ensues, Mosca turns against Volpone, attempting to seize the wealth for himself by convincing the court that Volpone is indeed dead and that he is the sole heir.
Resolution — The final act sees Volpone taking the stand in disguise, revealing his and Mosca’s deception to the court. The would-be heirs are punished for their greed, Mosca is sent to the galleys, and Volpone, though he avoids the harshest penalties, is sentenced to imprisonment and the confiscation of his wealth.
Through a series of elaborate deceptions, humorous situations, and ironic twists, “Volpone” critiques the greed and moral corruption of Jonson’s society, leaving us with a vivid portrayal of human folly and the perils of avarice.
Character Analysis
In “Volpone,” Ben Jonson presents a cast of characters each driven by their own desires and flaws. Here’s a closer look at the main players:
- Volpone — At the heart of the play is Volpone, the cunning “fox” who thrives on deception and greed. His love for wealth and the thrill of the con drive the plot forward. Despite his intelligence and charm, Volpone’s moral bankruptcy leads him to darker and more desperate acts, culminating in his downfall.
- Mosca — The “parasite” to Volpone’s “fox,” Mosca is the mastermind behind many of the play’s schemes. His clever manipulation of every character reveals his deep understanding of human nature and greed. However, his overreaching ambition eventually leads to his undoing.
- Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino — These three represent the worst of societal greed, each displaying their own brand of moral corruption in their quest to be Volpone’s heir. Voltore, the lawyer, uses his knowledge of the law for personal gain. Corbaccio, the old miser, is willing to disinherit his own son. Corvino, the jealous merchant, offers his wife to Volpone. Each character’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale against their respective vices.
- Celia — The virtuous counterpoint to the play’s pervasive greed and immorality, Celia represents innocence and goodness. Her faith and purity contrast starkly with the other characters’ corruption, making her a key figure in the play’s moral landscape.
- Bonario — Corbaccio’s disinherited son, Bonario stands for justice and moral integrity. His actions in defending Celia and exposing the main characters’ deceit play a crucial role in the unraveling of Volpone and Mosca’s schemes.
Character Analysis Summary:
| Character | Personality | Motivations | Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volpone | Cunning, charismatic, morally bankrupt | Wealth, thrill of deception | Descends further into greed and desperation |
| Mosca | Clever, manipulative, ambitious | Power, control, self-advancement | Becomes overambitious, leading to his fall |
| Voltore | Greedy, unscrupulous | Wealth through inheritance | Exposed and punished for his greed |
| Corbaccio | Miserly, selfish | Wealth for himself, at any cost | Disinherited, revealing his moral emptiness |
| Corvino | Jealous, possessive | Wealth, status | Punished for his moral depravity |
| Celia | Innocent, virtuous | Preservation of her virtue and faith | Suffers but remains morally intact |
| Bonario | Just, moral | To do what is right, defend the innocent | Acts as a catalyst for justice |
This tableau of characters, each with their distinct traits and arcs, showcases Jonson’s skill in portraying the complexities of human nature and the societal vices of his time.
Themes and Symbols
“Volpone” by Ben Jonson is rich with themes and symbols that delve into the human psyche and societal norms. Here’s a breakdown of the major themes and symbols present in the play:
- Greed and Corruption — At the core of “Volpone” lies the theme of greed and its corrupting influence. The lengths to which Volpone and the legacy hunters go to amass wealth showcase the destructive power of avarice. This theme is a critique of the societal and moral decay prevalent in Jonson’s time, and perhaps, a timeless warning against the blind pursuit of material wealth.
- Deception and Manipulation — Deception is the mechanism through which the characters in “Volpone” interact with each other. The entire plot is built on Volpone and Mosca’s schemes to deceive the legacy hunters, which in turn reflects the larger societal acceptance of deceit as a means to an end. This theme explores the idea that personal gain often trumps honesty and integrity.
- The Pursuit of Justice — Amidst the moral chaos, the theme of justice emerges as a beacon of hope. The play concludes with the deceivers being brought to justice, suggesting that truth and righteousness eventually prevail. This theme serves as a counterbalance to the pervasive immorality and suggests a societal yearning for order and fairness.
- Appearance vs. Reality — A recurrent motif in Jonson’s work, the discrepancy between how things appear and their true nature is vividly portrayed through the characters’ disguises and the deceptive facades they maintain. This symbolizes the superficiality of societal values and the ease with which truth can be masked or manipulated.
- The Animal Imagery — Jonson uses animal names (e.g., Volpone the fox, Mosca the fly) as symbols to reflect the characters’ personalities and their predatory or parasitic natures. This imagery serves as a constant reminder of the play’s critique of human vices and the social Darwinism of Jonson’s world.
These themes and symbols intertwine to create a rich tapestry that critiques the moral and societal flaws of the time. Jonson’s “Volpone” is not just a comedic tale of greed and deception; it is a profound exploration of the human condition, urging viewers and readers alike to reflect on their values and actions.
Writing Style and Tone
Ben Jonson’s “Volpone” is celebrated for its distinctive writing style and tone, which play crucial roles in enhancing the play’s thematic depth and its portrayal of character and society. Let’s dive into some key aspects of Jonson’s craft in this play:
- Satirical Tone — Jonson employs a sharp, satirical tone throughout “Volpone,” using humor and irony to critique societal vices such as greed, corruption, and hypocrisy. This tone not only entertains but also provokes thought about the moral decay of the society he portrays.
- Eloquent Dialogue — The dialogue in “Volpone” is characterized by its wit and eloquence, with characters often engaging in verbal sparring that showcases Jonson’s mastery over language. The clever wordplay and sophisticated rhetoric not only define the characters but also highlight their manipulative natures and the deceptive world they inhabit.
- Dramatic Irony — A significant stylistic device Jonson uses is dramatic irony, where the audience is privy to information that the characters are not. This technique heightens the comedic effect of the play and engages the audience, making them complicit in the unfolding schemes.
- Verse and Prose — Jonson adeptly mixes verse and prose to differentiate between the social classes of his characters and to suit the tone of various scenes. The nobility often speak in verse, reflecting their status and education, while the lower characters speak in prose, adding realism and diversity to the dialogue.
- Imagery and Symbolism — Rich in imagery and symbolism, Jonson’s writing imbues the play with deeper meanings and themes. The animal imagery associated with the characters’ names (e.g., Volpone the fox) extends beyond mere characterization, symbolizing their nature and roles in the societal hunt.
These stylistic elements combine to create a work that is not only a delight to read or watch but also a complex commentary on the human condition. Jonson’s “Volpone” remains a testament to his skill as a playwright and his keen insight into society and human nature.
Literary Devices Used in Volpone
In “Volpone,” Ben Jonson masterfully employs a variety of literary devices that enrich the play’s texture and deepen its themes. Here’s a look at the top 10 devices used:
- Irony — The use of irony pervades “Volpone,” especially through the characters’ unawareness of their own follies and the eventual justice they face, contrary to their expectations of reward.
- Satire — Jonson employs satire to critique the greed, corruption, and moral decay of his society. By exaggerating characters’ flaws, he highlights the absurdity and danger of their vices.
- Symbolism — Animal names and characteristics symbolize the characters’ personalities, such as Volpone the fox, representing cunning and deceit, or Mosca the fly, signifying parasitism and opportunism.
- Dramatic Irony — The audience is often aware of the true intentions and plans of the characters, such as Volpone’s feigned illness, creating a layer of humor and anticipation as they watch other characters fall for the deceit.
- Metaphor — Jonson uses metaphors to deepen the portrayal of themes, such as comparing the pursuit of wealth to hunting, with characters as predators or prey, to underscore the play’s critique of greed.
- Allusion — The play contains allusions to classical literature and mythology, enriching its thematic depth and connecting its critique of contemporary society to timeless human flaws.
- Hyperbole — Exaggeration is used for comedic effect and to emphasize the absurd lengths characters will go to in their greed and deception, such as Corvino offering his wife to Volpone.
- Pun — Wordplay and puns add levity and wit to the dialogue, showcasing Jonson’s linguistic skill and the intellectual playfulness of the text.
- Foreshadowing — Early hints of the characters’ eventual downfalls are woven into the narrative, such as Mosca’s manipulative nature suggesting his eventual betrayal of Volpone.
- Paradox — The play explores paradoxical themes, such as the value of wealth and the cost of deceit, challenging the audience to consider the true worth of material gain and the emptiness of a life built on lies.
These literary devices are integral to Jonson’s storytelling, enhancing “Volpone’s” satirical edge and its exploration of human nature, morality, and society.
Literary Devices Examples
Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Volpone pretending to be dying to attract wealth | This situation is ironic because Volpone, in feigning near death, becomes more lively and enriched by the greed of others, which is the opposite of what one might expect from someone supposedly on their deathbed. |
Satire
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The portrayal of legacy hunters | The exaggerated eagerness of the legacy hunters to give their wealth and even compromise moral values for the chance of a greater inheritance satirizes societal greed and the folly of valuing wealth over integrity. |
Symbolism
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Volpone as a fox | Volpone’s characterization as a fox symbolizes his cunning and deceitful nature, playing into the traditional association of foxes with trickery in literature and folklore. |
Dramatic Irony
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Audience knows Volpone is not sick | The dramatic irony comes from the audience’s awareness of Volpone’s charade versus the other characters’ belief in his imminent death, creating a humorous tension as the legacy hunters vie for his favor. |
Metaphor
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Comparing greed to a disease | This metaphorical comparison highlights how greed infects individuals, leading to irrational and harmful behavior, much like a disease deteriorates physical health. |
Allusion
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| References to classical myths | By alluding to classical myths, Jonson enriches the narrative with deeper cultural and moral significances, drawing parallels between the play’s events and timeless tales of human folly. |
Hyperbole
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Corvino offering his wife to Volpone | The hyperbolic act of offering one’s wife to secure an inheritance exaggerates the depths of human greed and moral degradation for comedic and critical effect. |
Pun
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mosca’s name meaning ‘fly’ and his role | Mosca, acting as a ‘fly’, buzzes around Volpone, facilitating his schemes. The pun on his name reflects his nature as both a nuisance and a crucial part of the deception ecosystem. |
Foreshadowing
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Early mentions of justice | Discussions or mentions of justice early in the play foreshadow the eventual comeuppance that the characters face, hinting at a moral reckoning. |
Paradox
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wealth brings misery | The paradox in “Volpone” is that the characters’ pursuit of wealth, intended to bring happiness, ultimately leads to their downfall and misery, questioning the true value of riches. |
These examples demonstrate how Ben Jonson uses a variety of literary devices to enrich the narrative, develop characters, and underscore the play’s themes, making “Volpone” a complex and enduring work of literature.
Volpone – FAQs
What is the main theme of Volpone?
The main theme of “Volpone” by Ben Jonson revolves around greed and its corrupting influence. The play critically examines how the pursuit of wealth and material gain leads to moral decay, deception, and ultimately, downfall.
Who is Volpone?
Volpone is the central character of the play, a wealthy Venetian nobleman who feigns a terminal illness to exploit the greed of his would-be heirs, attracting gifts and wealth from those who hope to inherit his fortune.
How does Volpone’s scheme unfold?
Volpone, with the help of his servant Mosca, deceives several greedy individuals into believing they will be his sole heir. These individuals, hoping to secure Volpone’s fortune for themselves, bring him gifts and go to great lengths to win his favor, unaware that they are being manipulated.
What role does Mosca play in the play?
Mosca, Volpone’s servant and the play’s chief manipulator, is instrumental in orchestrating the deception of the legacy hunters. He plays each suitor against the others and benefits from the unfolding chaos, ultimately attempting to seize control of Volpone’s wealth for himself.
How does the play address the theme of justice?
Justice in “Volpone” is served through the exposure and punishment of the play’s characters for their greed, deceit, and moral failings. The resolution sees the greedy suitors, Volpone, and Mosca receiving their due punishment, emphasizing the moral that wrongdoing eventually meets retribution.
What is the significance of the animal imagery in Volpone?
The use of animal imagery, such as Volpone being likened to a fox, symbolizes the characters’ natures and intentions. This imagery reflects their predatory or parasitic behaviors, adding a layer of thematic depth and critique of human folly and vice.
How does Ben Jonson use satire in the play?
Jonson employs satire to critique the greed, corruption, and hypocrisy of society. Through exaggerated characters and situations, he exposes the absurdity of the characters’ actions and the societal norms that enable their vices, offering a humorous yet insightful commentary on human nature.
What lessons can be learned from Volpone?
“Volpone” teaches that the unbridled pursuit of wealth leads to moral corruption and self-destruction. It highlights the importance of integrity and the dangers of deceit, greed, and manipulation, urging readers to reflect on their values and the consequences of their actions.
Quiz
| Question | A | B | C | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What does Volpone pretend to achieve his goals? | He pretends to be a foreign prince. | He pretends to be dying. | He pretends to be a merchant. | He pretends to be in love. |
| Who is the master manipulator in ‘Volpone’? | Corvino | Bonario | Mosca | Voltore |
| What does Corvino offer Volpone in hopes of being named heir? | His house | His jewels | His wife, Celia | His ship |
| How does the play ‘Volpone’ end? | With Volpone’s death. | With the deceivers being punished. | With Mosca inheriting everything. | With Volpone marrying Celia. |
| What is the main theme of ‘Volpone’? | Love and betrayal | Greed and corruption | War and peace | Family and loyalty |
| Which literary device is predominantly used to describe the characters in ‘Volpone’? | Onomatopoeia | Animal imagery | Simile | Metaphor |
| Who attempts to seize control of Volpone’s wealth towards the end of the play? | Voltore | Mosca | Corbaccio | Bonario |
| What lesson does ‘Volpone’ teach about wealth? | Wealth brings ultimate happiness. | Wealth is worth any sacrifice. | Wealth obtained through deceit leads to downfall. | Wealth is ephemeral and unimportant. |
This quiz is designed to test your understanding of “Volpone” by Ben Jonson, focusing on the key plot points, characters, themes, and literary devices used in the play. Each question targets fundamental aspects of the play to assess comprehension and insight into Jonson’s masterpiece.
Exercise
Identify the literary devices used in the following paragraph from “Volpone”:
“Volpone, the crafty fox, with guileful eye, Watches the world from his Venetian den. His treasure, like a dragon’s hoard, lay piled High in his chamber, glittering to the sky. The flies, drawn by the golden gleam, come nigh, Yet know not that the sweetness veils a trap. Mosca, the fly that knows the fox’s map, Weaves webs of words, ensnaring those who try To seize the fortune that in shadows lie.”
Answers:
- Metaphor: “Volpone, the crafty fox,” compares Volpone to a fox, highlighting his cunning nature.
- Simile: “His treasure, like a dragon’s hoard,” likens Volpone’s wealth to a mythical dragon’s treasure, emphasizing its vastness and the greed it inspires.
- Personification: “Watches the world from his Venetian den,” gives human characteristics to Volpone, enhancing the imagery of his predatory behavior.
- Alliteration: “Weaves webs of words,” uses the repetition of the ‘w’ sound to emphasize Mosca’s deceitful tactics.
- Symbolism: “The flies, drawn by the golden gleam,” symbolize the greedy individuals lured by Volpone’s wealth, unaware of the underlying danger.
This exercise helps in understanding the depth and complexity of Jonson’s use of language in “Volpone,” demonstrating how literary devices contribute to the thematic and symbolic richness of the text.