Volpone; Or, The Fox

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

4039

Title

Volpone; Or, The Fox

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Ben Jonson's satirical masterpiece, Volpone; Or, The Fox, exposes the greed and hypocrisy of Venice through the cunning con artist Volpone and his sycophantic servant Mosca. This sharp comedy of humours mocks the gullibility of the wealthy and the moral decay of society, offering a biting critique of human nature that remains strikingly relevant.

Summary up to 500 words

Ben Jonson's *Volpone; Or, The Fox* stands as a scathing satire on Venetian society, utilizing the 'comedy of humours' to expose the vices of greed, flattery, and social ambition. The narrative centers on Volpone, a wealthy old man who feigns a terminal wasting disease to swindle the city's elite. His cunning servant, Mosca, orchestrates the elaborate deception, convincing greedy suitors that Volpone is dying and that his fortune awaits inheritance. The play introduces distinct character types defined by their dominant traits: Corvino's obsessive jealousy over his wife Celia, Bonario's hot temper, and Celia's tragic vulnerability. As the con reaches its climax, the suitors compete fiercely to inherit Volpone's estate, only to discover his ruse when he suddenly recovers, revealing his vitality and wealth. The narrative culminates in a divine intervention where the corrupt are punished and the virtuous rewarded. Jonson's work is a profound exploration of the fragility of social status and the moral decay of a society driven by material gain, delivered with wit and moral clarity. The text highlights the absurdity of human nature through exaggerated characters and situations, such as Corvino's desperate attempts to force his wife into prostitution to save his reputation, and Volpone's lavish, fantastical promises of a life of excess. Through these elements, Jonson critiques the Elizabethan era's obsession with status and wealth, presenting a timeless commentary on human folly.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Drama
• Comedy
• Satire