Volpone (Magill Book Reviews)
At a glance:
- Author: Ben Jonson
- First Published: 1607
- Type of Work: Satiric Drama
- Genres: Satire, Drama
- Subjects: Mistaken or secret identity, Greed, Truthfulness and falsehood, Corruption, Servants, Sixteenth century, Italy or Italians, Wealth, Impostors or imposture
- Locales: Venice, Italy
The aging, corrupt magnifico Volpone (Italian for sly fox) operates a profitable con game. Rich and without heirs, he pretends to be on his deathbed, thereby attracting legacy hunters as carrion attracts flies. The lawyer Voltore (vulture), the old gentleman Corbaccio (raven), the merchant Corvino (crow), and the English lady Madam Would-Be woo Volpone with expensive gifts and favors, each hoping to become his sole heir. They also hope for his early death.
Assisted by his servant Mosca (fly), Volpone plays the suitors against one another. At Mosca’s suggestions, Corvino offers...
[The entire page is 538 words long]
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