Ben Jonson's Volpone, penned in 1605, employs farce and con games as central plot elements. In this story, a wealthy man feigns a terminal illness to swindle lavish gifts from those hoping to be named in his will.

Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Miller's Tale" is another narrative centered on greed. Similar to other stories in his Canterbury Tales, written around 1387, Chaucer uses the greed and lust of an elderly man to highlight human vulnerability.

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, first performed in 1600, does not focus on a con but features disguise and trickery to achieve order and resolution. Since Shakespeare was a contemporary of Jonson, his comedies offer a valuable contrast to Jonson's work.

The Merchant of Venice, another Shakespearean play, debuted in 1596. This work also includes disguise and deceit, but its ending provokes questions about the nature of comedy. Unlike The Alchemist, it lacks a complete moral resolution and raises complex issues regarding racism and honesty. The character of Portia contrasts with Dol and Dame Pliant, providing insight into the portrayal of female characters in comedies of that era.

Volume 11 of Ben Jonson, authored by C. H. Herford along with Percy and Evelyn Simpson and published between 1925 and 1952, offers the most comprehensive information about Jonson and his plays. Volume 10 also delves into the production history of The Alchemist.