Volpone

In Short

Volpone is a satirical comedy by Ben Jonson, set in 17th-century Venice, that explores themes of greed, deception, and social critique. The play centers around Volpone, a wealthy Venetian who feigns illness to manipulate others into giving him gifts in hopes of inheriting his fortune. With the help of his parasite, Mosca, Volpone orchestrates a series of schemes that expose the avarice and folly of his victims. The play is a sharp critique of human nature, using humor and irony to highlight the absurdities of society. Jonson's use of language, character development, and intricate plotting make Volpone a lasting masterpiece of English drama.

The Story

Volpone opens with the titular character, Volpone, feigning a severe illness to attract the attention of various wealthy Venetians who hope to inherit his fortune. Assisted by his cunning parasite, Mosca, Volpone stages elaborate performances of his supposed ailments, from gout to apoplexy, to convince his visitors of his impending death. Among these visitors are Voltore, a greedy lawyer; Corvino, a wealthy merchant; and Corbaccio, an aging usurer. Each of these men, driven by their own avarice, showers Volpone with gifts and flattery, hoping to secure his inheritance.

Mosca, the mastermind behind the schemes, manipulates the situation to his own advantage, often playing the victims against each other. He encourages Voltore to give Volpone a valuable piece of plate, while Corvino is persuaded to offer his wife, Celia, as a potential heir to Volpone's fortune. Corbaccio, meanwhile, is tricked into disinheriting his own son, Bonario, in favor of Volpone.

The plot thickens when Lady Would-be, the wife of an English knight, Sir Politick Would-be, enters the scene. She and her husband are eager to ingratiate themselves with Volpone, and Sir Politick goes to great lengths to prove his worth, including attempting to sell Venice to the Turks.

As the schemes escalate, Volpone's health appears to worsen, and his victims grow more desperate. However, the arrival of Bonario, who has discovered his father's disinheritance, complicates matters. Bonario, disguised as a lawyer, confronts Volpone and Mosca, leading to a series of revelations that expose the truth behind the deception.

In the final act, the victims bring their grievances before the Venetian court. Volpone, Mosca, and the other conspirators are exposed and punished. Volpone is stripped of his wealth, and Mosca is sentenced to be whipped. The play concludes with a moral lesson on the dangers of greed and the importance of honesty and integrity.

How It Unfolds

Introduction to Volpone: The play begins with Volpone feigning illness, setting the stage for the schemes that follow.

Arrival of the Victims: Voltore, Corvino, and Corbaccio visit Volpone, each hoping to inherit his fortune. Mosca manipulates them into giving gifts and making promises.

Celia's Involvement: Corvino is persuaded to offer his wife, Celia, as a potential heir, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic situations.

Sir Politick Would-be's Schemes: Sir Politick and Lady Would-be attempt to ingratiate themselves with Volpone, with Sir Politick's absurd plans adding humor to the plot.

Bonario's Discovery: Bonario, disguised as a lawyer, uncovers the truth about his father's disinheritance and confronts Volpone and Mosca.

The Court Scene: The victims bring their grievances to the Venetian court, where the truth is revealed, and the conspirators are punished.

The People

Volpone: A wealthy Venetian who feigns illness to manipulate others into giving him gifts. He is cunning and greedy, but ultimately exposed and punished.

Mosca: Volpone's parasite and mastermind behind the schemes. He is clever and manipulative, using his wit to play the victims against each other.

Voltore: A greedy lawyer who gives Volpone a valuable piece of plate, hoping to inherit his fortune.

Corvino: A wealthy merchant who offers his wife, Celia, as a potential heir to Volpone's fortune.

Corbaccio: An aging usurer who disinherits his son, Bonario, in favor of Volpone.

Celia: Corvino's wife, who is used as a pawn in the schemes but remains virtuous and resistant to the manipulation.

Bonario: Corbaccio's son, who discovers the truth and confronts Volpone and Mosca, leading to their exposure.

Sir Politick Would-be: An English knight who attempts to ingratiate himself with Volpone through absurd and comical schemes.

Lady Would-be: Sir Politick's wife, who is eager to gain favor with Volpone and adds to the comedic elements of the play.

In Its Own Voice

"Look, Mosca. Fool, begone!

[EXIT ANDROGYNO.]

MOS: 'Tis Signior Voltore, the advocate; I know him by his knock."

This exchange highlights Mosca's role as Volpone's assistant and his awareness of the visitors' intentions.

"Give me my furs.

[PUTS ON HIS SICK DRESS.] Why dost thou laugh so, man?"

Volpone's feigned illness and his manipulation of his appearance to deceive his visitors are central to the plot.

What It's Really About

Volpone is a satirical comedy that explores themes of greed, deception, and social critique. Jonson uses the characters and their schemes to expose the folly and avarice of human nature, particularly among the wealthy and powerful. The play is a sharp critique of the societal norms and values of 17th-century Venice, highlighting the absurdities and moral failings of its characters.

The play also delves into the nature of deception and the consequences of manipulation. Volpone and Mosca's schemes, while clever, ultimately lead to their downfall, emphasizing the moral lesson that dishonesty and greed are self-destructive.

Jonson's use of humor and irony serves to underscore the seriousness of the themes, making the play both entertaining and thought-provoking. The intricate plotting and character development add depth to the satire, creating a rich and complex work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Why Read It Today

Volpone remains a compelling read for modern audiences due to its timeless themes and Jonson's masterful use of language and satire. The play's exploration of greed, deception, and social critique is as relevant today as it was in the 17th century, offering insights into human nature and societal norms.

The humor and irony in Volpone make it an engaging and entertaining read, while the intricate plotting and character development provide a rich and complex narrative. Jonson's use of language, including puns, wordplay, and clever dialogue, adds to the play's appeal, making it a delight for readers who appreciate witty and intelligent writing.

While the play may present some challenges, such as its use of early modern English and the need to understand the historical context, these elements also contribute to its charm and depth. Reading Volpone offers a unique opportunity to engage with a classic work of English drama, experiencing the wit, satire, and moral lessons that have made it a lasting masterpiece.

For those interested in literature, history, or social critique, Volpone is a must-read. Its exploration of universal themes and its masterful execution make it a work that continues to captivate and inspire readers, offering a window into the human condition and the complexities of society.