Volpone | Ben Jonson | Study Guide

Author: Ben Jonson

Year: 1606

Type: Play

Genre: Comedy/Satire

About Title

The title "Volpone" refers to the main character, whose name literally means "sly fox" in Italian. It hints at his cunning and deceptive nature as he pretends to be on his deathbed to trick others out of their wealth.

Characters

Major:

Volpone: The main protagonist, a wealthy Venetian who pretends to be on his deathbed to dupe legacy hunters.

Mosca: Volpone's servant and partner in crime, who helps carry out the deceptive schemes.

Voltore: A lawyer who is one of the legacy hunters trying to inherit Volpone's fortune through flattery.

Corbaccio and Corvino: Two other legacy hunters who try to bribe Volpone with extravagant gifts.

Minor:

Celia: The wife of Corvino, whom Volpone attempts to seduce.

Bonario: Corbaccio's son, an honest man disgusted by his father's greed.

Lady Would-Be: An English aristocrat who pesters Volpone for attention and praise.

Summary

Ben Jonson's satirical play "Volpone" follows the wealthy Venetian Volpone as he, aided by his servant Mosca, pretends to be on his deathbed. This ruse attracts a trio of greedy legacy hunters - Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino - who attempt to flatter and bribe Volpone in hopes of being named his heir.

The elaborate scheme allows Jonson to satirize human vices like greed, lust, and hypocrisy. Volpone's deception grows bolder as he tries to seduce Celia, Corvino's wife. The play reaches a climax when Volpone is finally exposed, leading to a trial and surprising rulings from the Venetian court.

Throughout, Jonson's biting wit and clever wordplay lampoon the folly and moral corruption of those obsessed with wealth and status. "Volpone" stands as a sharp critique of societal hypocrisy and materialism.

Symbols

The Sick Man's Robe: Volpone's disguise as a dying man, represents deception and greed.

Birds of Prey: The legacy hunters, like vultures circling for the kill, symbolize unbridled avarice.

Celia's Virtue: Her chastity and morality in the face of Volpone's lust, highlighting corruption.

Mosca's Name (Italian for "fly"): Hints at his role buzzing around Volpone, spreading deceit.

Gold and Wealth: Objects of obsession driving immoral behavior in the pursuit of riches.

Themes

Greed and Materialism: The central theme, embodied by characters shamelessly pursuing wealth at all costs.

Deception and Trickery: Volpone's lies and schemes satirize a society built on fraud and illusion.

Justice and Corruption: The questionable court rulings probe whether justice prevails in a corrupt world.

Sexuality and Lust: Volpone's attempted seduction of Celia reflects the sensual excesses of society.

Criticism of the Aristocracy: Jonson mocks the elite classes through caricatures like the foolish aristocrats.

 

In conclusion, Ben Jonson's "Volpone" stands as a satirical masterpiece that offers a sharp critique of greed, corruption, and the pursuit of wealth at any cost. Through its colorful characters and intricate plot, the play exposes the moral decay and hypocrisy of society, particularly among the wealthy elite. Jonson's biting wit and keen observations shed light on the folly of human desires and the lengths to which people will go to satisfy their lust for power and riches. As Volpone and his accomplices scheme and manipulate their way through the play, Jonson forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. "Volpone" remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of integrity and morality in a world driven by materialism.