Volpone by Ben Jonson – Kitab Mahal

Volpone, written by Ben Jonson in 1605, is a dark comedy that satirizes the vices of greed, deception, and corruption. The play revolves around Volpone, a wealthy Venetian who feigns illness to manipulate his fortune-seeking friends. Through a series of cunning schemes, he exploits their greed, promising them his wealth in exchange for gifts. However, their obsession with wealth leads to their downfall, revealing the dangers of greed and vanity.

Key Points

1. Plot: Volpone, pretending to be deathly ill, tricks a group of wealthy individuals into giving him lavish gifts in hopes of inheriting his fortune. His schemes lead to their eventual ruin.
2. Themes: The play explores themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth, as well as the moral consequences of dishonesty.
3. Characterization: Volpone, Mosca (his servant), and the gullible courtiers are brilliantly drawn, each representing different aspects of human greed and folly.
4. Style and Language: Jonson's sharp wit and use of satire are evident throughout the play, with clever dialogue and complex character interactions.
5. Critical Studies: Volpone is a classic of English literature, widely studied for its social commentary, character complexity, and Jonson's use of humor to critique human nature.

                                                        ════ ⋆★⋆ ═══

Writer                 ✤     Ben Jonson 

Publishers           ✤    Kitab Mahal (Pvt) Ltd , KM