Volpone | Volpone and the Greek Comodies
In the following essay, the author argues that although Jonson was inspired by the ancient Greek comodies, his interpretation of them was incorrect.
Although Jonson called Volpone ''quick comoedie, refined,’’ this description has not satisfied critics puzzled by the precise nature of the play. Edward B. Partridge, in his illuminating study of Jonson's major comedies, remarks that confusion as to the nature of Volpone suggests that ‘‘Jonson either failed to create anything aesthetically pleasing or created a drama too complex in nature and unique in effect to be encompassed by the traditional categories.’’ A play ‘‘which creates such a profound sense of evil ... seems closer to tragedy than comedy,’’...
[The entire page is 2816 words long]
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