Volpone Or, The Fox

“”Volpone, or The Fox”” is a satirical comedy play written by English playwright Ben Jonson. First performed in 1605, it remains one of Jonson’s most famous and enduring works. The play is set in Venice and revolves around the cunning and greedy Volpone, who feigns terminal illness to dupe wealthy Venetians into showering him with gifts and money in hopes of inheriting his fortune. Volpone’s schemes, along with those of his equally deceitful servant Mosca, drive the plot forward, leading to a series of humorous and morally ambiguous events. **Characters:** 1. **Volpone**: The central character, whose name means “”sly fox”” in Italian. He is a wealthy Venetian magnifico who pretends to be gravely ill to dupe others into giving him gifts. 2. **Mosca (The Fly)**: Volpone’s clever and manipulative servant, who aids him in his schemes and often acts as the mastermind behind them. 3. **Voltore (The Vulture)**: A lawyer who seeks to inherit Volpone’s fortune by pretending to care for him and offering legal advice. 4. **Corbaccio (The Raven)**: An elderly Venetian who hopes to inherit Volpone’s fortune by disinheriting his own son. 5. **Corvino (The Crow)**: A wealthy merchant who tries to offer his wife, Celia, to Volpone in exchange for an inheritance. 6. **Celia**: Corvino’s virtuous wife, who becomes entangled in Volpone’s schemes. 7. **Bonario**: Corbaccio’s son, who becomes suspicious of Volpone’s intentions and seeks to expose his deceit. 8. **Lady Would-be**: A foolish English noblewoman who desires Volpone’s wealth and attention. 9. **Sir Politic Would-be**: Lady Would-be’s husband, who is obsessed with espionage and intrigue. 10. **Peregrine**: A witty and observant traveler who exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of Venetian society. **Plot Summary:** The play opens with Volpone pretending to be gravely ill, with Mosca acting as his loyal servant. Aware of Volpone’s true intentions, Mosca assists him in his schemes to dupe wealthy Venetians. Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino all visit Volpone, hoping to inherit his fortune. Each brings lavish gifts in hopes of securing their place as his heir. As the play progresses, Volpone and Mosca manipulate the greed and desires of these characters, leading to a series of comedic and morally ambiguous situations. Corvino offers his wife, Celia, to Volpone, who pretends to be enamored with her. Bonario becomes suspicious of Volpone’s intentions and seeks to expose his deceit. In the climax of the play, Volpone’s schemes begin to unravel as his deceit is exposed. Bonario, Peregrine, and others join forces to reveal the truth and bring justice to the duped characters. Volpone and Mosca are ultimately punished for their crimes, and the play ends with a moral reflection on the dangers of greed and deception. **Themes:** 1. **Greed and Deception**: The play explores the destructive power of greed and the lengths to which people will go to satisfy their desires. 2. **Morality and Justice**: Jonson examines questions of morality and justice, particularly in relation to the punishment of deceitful characters. 3. **Social Satire**: “”Volpone”” satirizes the corruption and hypocrisy of Venetian society, exposing the flaws and vices of its wealthy inhabitants. 4. **Power Dynamics**: The play explores the dynamics of power and manipulation, as characters vie for control and influence over one another. 5. **Gender Roles**: Jonson also touches on gender dynamics and the treatment of women in society, particularly in the case of Celia, who is treated as a commodity by her husband and Volpone. Overall, “”Volpone, or The Fox”” remains a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences with its sharp wit, complex characters, and biting social commentary. —- ISBN: 9798326654946