Volpone by Ben Jonson as a Comedy of Humours.

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Themes of "Volpone"
1. Greed and Avarice:
At the heart of "Volpone" lies a powerful critique of greed and avarice. The play's central character, Volpone, pretends to be on his deathbed to swindle gifts from legacy hunters who hope to be named his heir. These suitors-Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino-are driven by their insatiable greed, which ultimately leads to their downfall. Jonson uses their absurdly exaggerated desires to satirize the moral decay caused by greed.
2. Deception and Manipulation:
Deception is a central theme in "Volpone," with the plot revolving around various schemes and tricks. Volpone and his cunning servant, Mosca, engage in elaborate ruses to deceive and manipulate the legacy hunters. The play showcases how deception can be both a tool for manipulation and a source of comic irony, as the deceivers themselves often fall victim to their own schemes.
3. The Corrupting Power of Wealth:
Jonson explores how the pursuit of wealth corrupts individuals and society. Volpone's immense fortune gives him the power to manipulate others, revealing the moral corruption that accompanies the desire for wealth. The characters' willingness to betray their principles and even their loved ones for financial gain underscores the destructive nature of materialism.
4. Justice and Retribution:
"Volpone" also examines the theme of justice and the moral consequences of one's actions. The play concludes with a sense of poetic justice, as Volpone, Mosca, and the legacy hunters face severe punishments for their misdeeds. Jonson emphasizes that deception and greed ultimately lead to ruin, reinforcing the idea that justice will prevail.
5. Social Satire:
Through its exaggerated characters and situations, "Volpone" offers a satirical commentary on contemporary society. Jonson critiques the legal system, highlighting the ease with which it can be manipulated by those with wealth and influence. He also satirizes the vanity and folly of the upper classes, who are easily duped by Volpone's schemes.
6. The Nature of Friendship and Loyalty:
The play questions the nature of genuine friendship and loyalty. Mosca's relationship with Volpone, based on mutual deceit and self-interest, contrasts with the play's few examples of genuine loyalty, such as Bonario’s devotion to his father, despite Corbaccio's flaws. This theme highlights the rarity and value of true loyalty in a world driven by greed.
Through these themes, "Volpone" remains a timeless exploration of human vices and virtues, using humor and satire to expose the darker aspects of human nature and society.
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