Every Man in His Humor

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

5333

Title

Every Man in His Humor

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Ben Jonson's satirical comedy exposes the absurdities of London society through exaggerated characters driven by single, dominant traits or 'humours.' Blending classical structure with sharp observation, the play offers a witty critique of the era's gallants, fools, and pretenders, establishing Jonson as a leading dramatist.

Summary up to 500 words

In Ben Jonson's *Every Man in His Humour*, a seminal work of English comedy, the playwright presents a biting satire of London life through the lens of his 'comedy of humours.' This artistic theory posits that every individual is dominated by a single, extreme trait or passion—a 'humour'—that dictates their actions and isolates them from reason. The narrative follows the Kitely family as they navigate the chaotic streets of London, encountering a gallery of typified characters who embody specific follies. Master Matthew Wellbred, a pretentious scholar, adopts the mannerisms of a soldier to impress others, while Captain Bobadill is a boastful coward whose bravado masks his fear. Brainworm represents the pedantic pedant who loves to argue, and Oliver Cob serves as the voice of common sense, often suffering for his honesty. The central conflict arises when Master Kitely, fearing his son Matthew's corrupting influence, follows him to the city to observe his life among the gallants. The plot is driven by intercepted letters and mistaken identities, culminating in a chaotic resolution where the characters' humours are exposed and corrected. A pivotal moment occurs when Bobadill brutally beats the servant Oliver Cob for criticizing tobacco, highlighting the play's social commentary on class, authority, and the dangers of unchecked passion. Through witty prose dialogue and vivid characterization, Jonson contrasts these exaggerated figures against the backdrop of everyday London, exposing the folly of those who allow their single passions to rule their lives. The play reinforces Jonson's belief in the necessity of reason and moderation. As an early masterpiece, *Every Man in His Humour* set a new standard for English comedy, moving away from pure farce toward an intellectual, character-driven satire that influenced generations of playwrights and established Jonson's reputation as a leading dramatist of his time.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Drama