Volpone: Revised Edition

The sharpest, funniest comedy about money and morals in the 17th century is still relevant in the 21st, with incisive commentary notes and a plot summary. It provides a firm grounding in the play's social and literary contexts, demonstrates how careful close-reading can expand enjoyment, shows the relevance of Jonson's critique to modern economic systems, and provides a clear picture of how the main relationships function on the page and stage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The sharpest, funniest comedy about money and morals in the 17th century is still the sharpest and funniest about those things in the Ben Jonson's "Volpone" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its razor-sharp wit and biting satire. This comprehensive play text, accompanied by incisive commentary notes, offers a profound understanding of the play's social and literary contexts, highlighting the devastating comic energy of Jonson's satire. The introduction provides a firm grounding in the plays social and literary contexts, demonstrating how careful close-reading can expand your enjoyment of the comedy. It also shows the relevance of Jonson's critique to our modern economic systems, and provides a clear picture of how the main relationships in the play function on the page and stage. Supplemented by a plot summary and annotated bibliography, this edition is ideal for students of Jonson, city comedy, and early modern drama.

Jonson's "Volpone" is set in 17th-century London, a city rife with corruption and greed. The play follows the story of a con artist named Volpone, who pretends to be a wealthy merchant in order to swindle unsuspecting victims out of their money. The play's title refers to Volpone's alias, a bird known for its ability to deceive.

One of the key themes of "Volpone" is the nature of money and morals. Jonson explores the ways in which money can corrupt and manipulate people, and how it can lead to moral decay. The play's characters are all driven by their desire for wealth, and their actions are often motivated by greed and self-interest.

Jonson's satire is razor-sharp, and he uses a variety of techniques to convey his message. He employs irony, parody, and exaggeration to create a sense of humor that is both biting and entertaining. The play's dialogue is fast-paced and witty, and the characters' interactions are often hilarious.

One of the most memorable characters in "Volpone" is Volpone himself. Jonson creates a complex and fascinating character who is both charming and deceitful. Volpone's ability to manipulate people is astounding, and he uses his wit and charm to convince even the most skeptical of individuals.

Another important character in the play is Mr. Badman, a religious zealot who is determined to expose Volpone's fraud. Mr. Badman's character is a contrast to Volpone's character, and he represents the moral values that Jonson believes are essential to a healthy society.

Jonson's use of language is also impressive. He employs a variety of poetic devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and metaphor, to create a rich and evocative language. The play's language is often dense and difficult to understand, but it is worth the effort to read and understand.

In addition to its social and moral commentary, "Volpone" is also a fascinating exploration of the nature of identity. Jonson creates a complex and multifaceted character who is both a con artist and a religious zealot. The play's exploration of identity is a reflection of the complex and multifaceted nature of human beings.

The play's structure is also impressive. Jonson uses a series of interweaving plots to create a complex and compelling story. The play's plot twists and turns are unexpected, and the play's ending is both surprising and satisfying.

Despite its age, "Volpone" remains a relevant and important play. Its themes of money and morals are still relevant today, and its satire is still sharp and entertaining. The play's commentary on the nature of identity is also still relevant, and its exploration of the nature of corruption and greed is still a powerful reminder of the dangers of these behaviors.

In conclusion, Ben Jonson's "Volpone" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its razor-sharp wit and biting satire. This comprehensive play text, accompanied by incisive commentary notes, offers a profound understanding of the play's social and literary contexts, highlighting the devastating comic energy of Jonson's satire. The introduction provides a firm grounding in the plays social and literary contexts, demonstrating how careful close-reading can expand your enjoyment of the comedy. Supplemented by a plot summary and annotated bibliography, this edition is ideal for students of Jonson, city comedy, and early modern drama.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 194 x 129 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350007796
Edition number: 2 ed