Volpone by Ben Jonson is a satirical Jacobean comedy about the greed and deception surrounding Volpone, a wealthy con artist who pretends to be on his deathbed to attract legacy hunters like Corvino, Corbaccio, Voltore, and Lady Would-be Politic, each hoping to inherit his fortune, while aided by his cunning servant Mosca. The tale unfolds with disguises, schemes, false accusations, and courtroom drama, ultimately culminating in the exposure and punishment of all involved. The play includes themes and events involving abuse and the attempted assault of a person.

Ben Jonson's Volpone is widely praised for its sharp wit and vibrant depiction of greed and corruption. Critics commend its satirical brilliance and complex characters. However, some find the dense language and intricate plot challenging. Overall, it's a masterful comedy that remains relevant and thought-provoking.

A reader who appreciates satire, dark humor, and social commentary, akin to that in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde or The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, would enjoy Ben Jonson’s Volpone. They likely enjoy intricate plots, clever wordplay, and critiques of greed and corruption.

Humorous / Dark / Mysterious / Playful / Gritty

- Volpone was first performed by the King's Men at the Globe Theatre in 1606, showcasing Ben Jonson's talent as a playwright in the same era as William Shakespeare.
- Ben Jonson, through Volpone, offers a satirical take on greed and corruption, often employing animal imagery to symbolize the vices of 17th-century society.
- The play includes the character Mosca, whose name means "fly" in Italian, cleverly mirroring his role as a sly and opportunistic manipulator.

**Volpone**  
An older gentleman with no immediate family who devises cunning schemes with his parasite Mosca to trick others into thinking they will inherit his fortune, showcasing his delight in wit and disguise.

**Mosca**  
Volpone's cunning and adaptable sidekick, known for his deceptive intelligence and independence within their scheming relationship, often boosting his own confidence through elaborate plots.

**Voltore**  
A corrupt lawyer and suitor of Volpone's wealth, known for his skillful use of language and pliable loyalty, primarily motivated by greed for Volpone’s fortune.

**Corbaccio**  
An elderly suitor for Volpone's fortune who is humorously depicted as hard of hearing and willing to disinherit his own son for a chance at inheritance, despite his advanced age.

**Corvino**  
Celia's jealous husband and a suitor vying for Volpone's wealth, typified by his extreme insecurities and control over Celia, as well as his public accusations fueled by greed.

**Sir Politic Would-Be**  
An English knight in Venice, known for concocting absurd schemes and his inflated self-importance, often played for satirical and comedic effect in a subplot of the play.

**Lady Would-Be**  
Sir Politic's talkative and vain wife who attempts to fit into Venetian society, often providing comic relief with her exaggerated fashion and verbose manner.

**Celia**  
Corvino's secluded and virtuous wife, depicted as deeply religious and innocent, whose beauty often acts as a catalyst in the narrative’s tension.

**Bonario**  
The honorable and just son of Corbaccio, who maintains a reputation for fairness and becomes embroiled in the scheming as a symbol of integrity.

**Peregrine**  
An English traveler in Venice who serves as a foil to Sir Politic with his rationality and provides a connection to the audience through his skeptical asides.

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