Ben Jonson's Volpone stands as a monumental work in the realm of comedic drama, marrying robust satire with the moral exploration of human vices. Written during a time when Jonson was heavily focused on creating masques and antimasques, the play marked a return to success following the failure of his tragedy, Sejanus His Fall. Despite the scant evidence of its reception by contemporary audiences, Volpone is regarded as Jonson's most popular comedy, with its themes and style still resonating to this day.

The Dramatic Landscape of Ben Jonson

Jonson's reputation as a playwright is largely defined by his ability to blend academic rigor with creative genius. As a serious classicist, he modeled his plays after Roman traditions and criticized contemporaries like William Shakespeare for lacking classical knowledge. His belief that drama served a moral purpose is evident in his works, where he used the medium as a tool for social education. This philosophy not only positioned him as a leading figure among Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists but also as a precursor to the satirists of the eighteenth century.

Jonson's comedies, including Volpone, are characterized by a disciplined, formal, and unembellished style. He shunned the lyrical and rhetorical flourishes that Shakespeare and Marlowe indulged in, instead opting for clarity and solidity akin to the French comic theater of Molière. In Volpone, Jonson adheres to the Aristotelian unities of time, place, and action, crafting a tightly structured narrative that unfolds over a single day in Venice, centering on the machinations of Volpone and his conspirators.

Exploring Themes of Greed and Imitation

The narrative of Volpone is steeped in the theme of greed, which serves as the driving force behind the actions of all characters. Familial ties, marriage, and justice are discarded by characters like Corbaccio, Corvino, and Voltore, who are consumed by their avarice. Jonson suggests that while these characters may be exaggerated representations, their greed is fundamentally human. The Politic Would-Bes, although also desiring Volpone's wealth, remain somewhat less morally corrupt due to their innocence and idiocy, offering comic relief amidst the serious satire.

Imitation as a distortion of reality emerges as another theme in the play. Characters frequently assume disguises, both literal and figurative. Mosca's talent for manipulation is emblematic of this theme, while Lady Would-Be's attempts to veil her mental deficiencies with cosmetics provide a poignant moment in the play. Volpone himself revels in mimicry, pretending to be a mountebank, leading audiences to question the nature of imitation and reality.

The Dynamic Duo: Volpone and Mosca

Central to the play's success are the characters Volpone and Mosca, who act as both protagonists and orchestrators of the unfolding chaos. Volpone is the embodiment of mischief and wit, taking joy in his schemes, while Mosca thrives in his role as an instigator of mischief for its own sake. Together, they manipulate other characters—Corbaccio, Corvino, and Voltore—highlighting the absurdity and destructiveness of greed. Their interactions offer a commentary on the human proclivity for deception when driven by desire.

Reception and Legacy

Despite its brilliance, the initial reception of Volpone remains largely undocumented, as plays during Jonson's time were not formally reviewed. However, its recurring presence on stage after the Restoration suggests a sustained interest. Notable figures like Samuel Pepys praised the play as "most excellent," while others critiqued its plot and characterization. Critics in the eighteenth century questioned the coherence of the plot and the purpose of certain characters, such as Sir Politic Would-Be, reflecting a growing trend of dissecting Jonson's work for flaws.

Jonson's struggles with critical reception stemmed in part from his personal reputation; he was seen...