The Alchemist by Ben Jonson – Kitab Mahal

The Alchemist by Ben Jonson is a comedic play that satirizes greed, deception, and the gullibility of people in society. Set in 17th-century London, it follows a conman and his accomplices who deceive wealthy individuals with promises of wealth through alchemy. Through sharp wit and satirical humor, Jonson critiques the moral and social corruption of his time, focusing on themes like ambition, deception, and the flaws of human nature.

Key Points

1. Plot: The play centers around a con artist, Subtle, who pretends to turn base metals into gold, deceiving wealthy characters.
2. Main Characters: Subtle (the alchemist), Face (the accomplice), and Dol Common (the prostitute) engage in trickery and manipulation.
3. Themes: Greed, ambition, deception, and social mobility are central themes, exploring how these drive characters’ actions.
4. Critical Analysis: The play critiques social corruption and highlights the consequences of moral compromise.
5. Urdu Translation: The book includes an Urdu translation, making it accessible to Urdu-speaking readers.

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Writer                 ✤     Ben Jonson 

Publishers           ✤    Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM