4.3 Ben Jonson's plays
8 min read•august 21, 2024
Ben Jonson's plays are cornerstones of English Renaissance drama. His works, including and , showcase his mastery of satirical and social commentary, blending classical influences with sharp observations of contemporary society.
Jonson's distinctive style features , biting , and complex characters. His plays explore themes of , , and , using clever language and dramatic techniques to entertain and instruct audiences on and societal vices.
Major plays of Jonson
- Ben Jonson's major plays represent significant contributions to English Renaissance drama
- These works showcase Jonson's mastery of satirical comedy and social commentary
- Jonson's plays continue to influence modern theater and literary studies
Volpone
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- Satirizes greed and deception in Venetian society
- Features the cunning Volpone who pretends to be dying to receive gifts from legacy hunters
- Explores themes of , , and
- Incorporates elements of beast fable and morality play traditions
The Alchemist
- Critiques and the pursuit of easy wealth
- Centers around a trio of con artists who exploit their victims' desires and superstitions
- Utilizes complex plot structure with multiple subplots and disguises
- Demonstrates Jonson's skill in creating intricately crafted dialogue and wordplay
Bartholomew Fair
- Presents a vivid portrayal of London's diverse social classes at a popular fair
- Satirizes Puritan hypocrisy and societal pretensions
- Features a large cast of characters representing various social types
- Employs elements to subvert social hierarchies and norms
Epicene
- Explores and societal expectations in a comedy of manners
- Revolves around a plot to trick a misogynistic old man into marriage
- Challenges contemporary notions of masculinity and femininity
- Utilizes the "silent woman" trope to create comedic situations and social commentary
Jonson's comedic style
- Jonson's distinctive comedic approach sets him apart from his contemporaries
- His style combines elements of classical comedy with sharp social observation
- Jonson's comedies often aim to instruct as well as entertain, reflecting his belief in the moral purpose of drama
Humours comedy
- Based on the medieval theory of four bodily humours influencing personality
- Characters often represent exaggerated personality types or "humours"
- Jonson uses this concept to create memorable and often ridiculous characters
- Allows for exploration of human folly and social vices through character-driven comedy
Satirical elements
- Jonson employs biting wit to critique contemporary society and human nature
- Targets include social climbers, religious hypocrites, and corrupt officials
- Uses exaggeration and caricature to highlight societal flaws and individual vices
- Often incorporates topical references to current events and well-known figures
Classical influences
- Draws heavily on Roman comedic traditions (Plautus, Terence)
- Adheres to classical unities of time, place, and action in many plays
- Incorporates and references to demonstrate erudition
- Adapts stock characters and plot devices from ancient comedy to contemporary settings
Themes in Jonson's plays
- Jonson's works explore recurring themes that reflect his views on society and human nature
- These themes often serve as vehicles for social criticism and moral instruction
- Jonson's treatment of these themes demonstrates his keen observation of human behavior
Greed and avarice
- Central theme in many of Jonson's plays (Volpone, The Alchemist)
- Characters often driven by insatiable desire for wealth and material gain
- Explores the corrupting influence of money on individuals and society
- Uses exaggerated scenarios to highlight the absurdity of excessive greed
Social criticism
- Jonson's plays serve as a mirror to contemporary society, exposing its flaws
- Critiques social pretensions, hypocrisy, and moral decay
- Targets include the nouveau riche, corrupt clergy, and ineffective government
- Often contrasts idealized virtues with the reality of human behavior
Deception and trickery
- Plots frequently revolve around elaborate schemes and cons
- Explores the motivations behind deception and its consequences
- Characters often adopt disguises or false identities to achieve their goals
- Jonson uses these elements to comment on the nature of truth and appearance in society
Character types
- Jonson's plays feature a range of distinctive character types
- These characters often serve specific dramatic functions within the plays
- Jonson's use of character types allows for both comedy and social commentary
Stock characters
- Draws on traditional character types from classical and medieval drama
- Includes figures like the miser, the braggart soldier, and the clever servant
- Jonson adapts these types to fit contemporary London settings
- Uses stock characters as a foundation for more complex characterization
Allegorical figures
- Some characters represent abstract concepts or moral qualities
- Allows Jonson to explore ideas through personification
- Often used in conjunction with more realistic characters for contrast
- Examples include Justice in Volpone and Subtle in The Alchemist
Fools and gulls
- Jonson's plays often feature gullible characters who fall victim to schemes
- Fools may be sympathetic or objects of ridicule depending on their nature
- Gulls often represent specific social types or professions being satirized
- The interplay between tricksters and their victims drives much of the plot and comedy
Jonson's dramatic techniques
- Jonson employs various dramatic techniques to create complex, engaging plays
- These techniques demonstrate his skill as a dramatist and innovator
- Jonson's use of these techniques influences the structure and pacing of his comedies
Use of disguise
- Characters frequently adopt false identities or disguises
- Serves multiple dramatic functions (plot advancement, character development)
- Creates opportunities for and comedic misunderstandings
- Often used to explore themes of identity and social roles
Subplot integration
- Jonson skillfully weaves multiple plot threads into cohesive narratives
- Subplots often mirror or comment on the main plot
- Allows for exploration of different aspects of the central theme
- Demonstrates Jonson's ability to manage complex narrative structures
Dramatic irony
- Audience often privy to information unknown to characters
- Creates tension and anticipation as plots unfold
- Used for both comedic effect and social commentary
- Highlights discrepancies between appearance and reality in society
Language and verse
- Jonson's mastery of language is a hallmark of his dramatic works
- His plays showcase a range of linguistic styles and techniques
- Jonson's use of language reflects his classical education and poetic skill
Prose vs verse
- Jonson alternates between prose and verse depending on character and situation
- Verse often reserved for more elevated characters or formal situations
- Prose used for lower-class characters and more naturalistic dialogue
- Skillful blending of prose and verse contributes to the plays' rhythm and tone
Classical allusions
- Jonson's works abound with references to classical literature and mythology
- Demonstrates Jonson's erudition and appeals to educated audiences
- Used to add depth and resonance to characters and situations
- Often employed for satirical or parodic effect
Wit and wordplay
- Jonson's dialogue features clever puns, double entendres, and verbal sparring
- Characters often engage in battles of wit, showcasing Jonson's linguistic dexterity
- Wordplay serves both comedic and thematic purposes
- Reflects Jonson's belief in the power of language to entertain and instruct
Social context
- Jonson's plays are deeply rooted in the social and cultural milieu of Jacobean England
- Understanding this context is crucial for fully appreciating Jonson's works
- His plays offer valuable insights into early 17th-century English society
Jacobean London
- Jonson's plays vividly depict life in London during the reign of James I
- Portrays the city's diverse social classes, professions, and neighborhoods
- Reflects the rapid urban growth and social changes of the period
- Captures the energy, vitality, and challenges of early modern urban life
Court vs city
- Jonson's works often explore the tensions between courtly and urban cultures
- Contrasts the refined manners of the court with the more boisterous city life
- Satirizes both aristocratic pretensions and bourgeois aspirations
- Reflects Jonson's own experiences moving between court and city circles
Contemporary politics
- Jonson's plays often contain veiled references to current political issues
- Addresses topics such as corruption, foreign policy, and religious conflicts
- Demonstrates Jonson's engagement with the political debates of his time
- Requires careful navigation of censorship and potential royal displeasure
Jonson's literary circle
- Jonson was a central figure in the literary world of early 17th-century England
- His relationships with other writers and patrons shaped his career and works
- Jonson's influence extended beyond his own writing to impact the broader literary culture
Rivalry with Shakespeare
- Jonson and were contemporaries and sometimes collaborators
- Their relationship was marked by both mutual respect and artistic competition
- Jonson's more classical, rule-bound approach contrasted with Shakespeare's style
- Their rivalry stimulated innovation and excellence in English Renaissance drama
The Tribe of Ben
- Group of younger writers who admired and emulated Jonson's style
- Included poets such as Robert Herrick and Thomas Carew
- Jonson served as a mentor and literary model for these writers
- Helped establish Jonson's reputation as a leading literary figure of his time
Patronage and influence
- Jonson benefited from the support of aristocratic patrons
- His connections at court influenced the themes and tone of some works
- Jonson's literary criticism and conversations shaped contemporary tastes
- His influence extended to areas such as masque writing and poetry
Performance history
- The staging and reception of Jonson's plays have evolved over time
- Understanding performance history provides insights into changing interpretations
- Jonson's works continue to be performed and adapted for modern audiences
Original staging practices
- Jonson's plays were performed in outdoor public theaters and indoor private theaters
- Minimal sets and props relied on language and acting to create scenes
- All-male casts with boy actors playing female roles
- Performances often included music, dance, and spectacular effects
Modern adaptations
- Contemporary productions often update settings or themes for modern relevance
- Adaptations may emphasize different aspects of Jonson's social critique
- Some productions experiment with gender-blind or cross-cultural casting
- Directors find new ways to convey Jonson's wit and satire to modern audiences
Critical reception
- Jonson's reputation has fluctuated over the centuries
- Initially celebrated, then overshadowed by Shakespeare in later periods
- 20th-century revival of interest in Jonson's works and their social context
- Ongoing debates about Jonson's place in the canon of English literature
Legacy and influence
- Jonson's impact on English literature and drama extends far beyond his lifetime
- His works continue to be studied, performed, and adapted
- Jonson's innovations in dramatic form and style influenced subsequent generations
Impact on Restoration comedy
- Jonson's satirical style and character types influenced Restoration dramatists
- His emphasis on wit and social critique shaped the development of the comedy of manners
- Restoration playwrights drew on Jonson's techniques for exposing social follies
- Jonson's works provided models for balancing humor with moral instruction
Jonson's literary criticism
- Jonson's prefaces and critical writings established principles of dramatic theory
- His emphasis on classical models influenced neoclassical literary criticism
- Jonson's views on language and poetic style impacted English literary practice
- His critical judgments helped shape the literary canon and standards of his time
Modern scholarly interpretations
- Contemporary scholars examine Jonson's works through various critical lenses
- New historicist approaches situate Jonson's plays in their cultural context
- Gender studies explore Jonson's treatment of masculinity and femininity
- Ecocritical readings investigate representations of nature and urban environments
- Digital humanities techniques offer new insights into Jonson's language and style
Key Terms to Review (33)
Allegory: Allegory is a narrative technique in which characters, events, and details represent abstract ideas or moral qualities, often conveying deeper meanings or messages beyond the literal level. This method allows writers to explore complex themes, such as virtue, vice, and the human condition, through symbolic figures and actions that can resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Avarice: Avarice is an insatiable greed for wealth or material gain, often characterized by a strong desire to acquire and hoard riches at the expense of others. This term is closely linked to moral and ethical discussions surrounding the consequences of excessive greed, highlighting its ability to corrupt individuals and society as a whole.
Carnivalesque: Carnivalesque refers to a literary and cultural concept that embodies a spirit of chaos, subversion, and the celebration of the grotesque, often seen during carnival festivities. It disrupts the norms of everyday life and societal hierarchies, allowing for playful interactions, role reversals, and a sense of liberation from social constraints. This term emphasizes the importance of humor, absurdity, and the mingling of opposites, reflecting a temporary realm where the usual order is upended.
Classical Allusions: Classical allusions are references to figures, events, or texts from ancient Greek and Roman mythology, literature, and history. These allusions serve to enhance a work's meaning, evoke certain emotions, and provide deeper context, often connecting contemporary themes with timeless human experiences. Writers use classical allusions to draw parallels between their characters or situations and the revered stories and figures of antiquity.
Comedy: Comedy is a genre of literature that aims to entertain and amuse, often through humor and the portrayal of characters in amusing situations. It typically involves misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and clever wordplay, leading to a resolution that restores order and harmony. The comedic narrative often serves to critique social norms, human behavior, and cultural practices while engaging the audience in laughter and reflection.
Deception: Deception refers to the act of misleading or falsely representing the truth, often used to manipulate others' perceptions or beliefs. In literature, especially in plays, it serves as a powerful device that drives conflict and character development, revealing the complexities of human nature and social interactions.
Disguise: Disguise refers to the act of concealing one's true identity or character through the use of altered appearance or behavior. In the context of drama, particularly in the works of certain playwrights, disguise serves as a crucial device that allows characters to explore themes of identity, deception, and social critique, often leading to comedic or tragic consequences.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the narrative, creating a disconnect between their understanding and that of the characters. This technique is powerful in storytelling, as it builds tension and anticipation, allowing viewers to engage more deeply with the unfolding events. It often highlights themes of fate, knowledge, and human folly.
Feminist Criticism: Feminist criticism is a literary analysis approach that examines texts through the lens of gender dynamics, focusing on the ways in which literature reinforces or challenges the oppression of women. This method not only highlights the representation of female characters and their roles but also critiques the power structures and societal norms that shape these portrayals, revealing underlying patriarchal ideologies.
Five-act structure: The five-act structure is a dramatic framework used primarily in plays, where the narrative is divided into five distinct parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. This structure helps create a coherent and engaging storyline, guiding the audience through the development of characters and conflicts.
Gender Roles: Gender roles are the social and behavioral norms that are considered appropriate for individuals based on their perceived gender. These roles dictate how people should think, act, and feel according to their gender, and can vary widely across different cultures and historical periods. In the context of early modern literature, including plays, these roles often reflect societal expectations and can serve as a critique of the limitations imposed on both men and women.
Greed: Greed is an intense and selfish desire for more wealth, power, or possessions than one needs or deserves. This insatiable appetite often drives individuals to act unethically or harm others to achieve their goals. In literature, greed is frequently portrayed as a destructive force that leads to moral corruption and downfall, influencing character motivations and conflicts.
Human folly: Human folly refers to the tendency of individuals to make irrational, misguided, or foolish decisions despite the potential for negative consequences. This concept often highlights the flaws in human judgment and the inherent imperfections of human nature, illustrating how people can be blind to their own errors or shortcomings. In literature, particularly in Ben Jonson's works, this theme is explored to expose the absurdities and vices of society, often through satire and comedy.
Human gullibility: Human gullibility refers to the tendency of individuals to easily believe or accept claims, statements, or situations without adequate evidence or critical scrutiny. This trait can lead people to be misled or deceived, especially in contexts where manipulation is present. In various narratives, gullibility can serve as a commentary on human nature, societal norms, and the dynamics of power and persuasion.
Humours comedy: Humours comedy is a genre of theatre that emerged in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, prominently featuring characters defined by their dominant bodily humours—blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile. This style of comedy highlights the interplay between character traits and social behavior, often showcasing how these traits influence relationships and conflicts among individuals. The characters typically embody exaggerated traits, leading to humorous situations rooted in their emotional states and physical dispositions.
Inigo Jones: Inigo Jones was an influential English architect of the early 17th century, known for introducing the classical architectural style to England. His work included notable designs for theaters and public buildings, and he is recognized as the first significant architect in England since the Roman period. Jones's contributions laid the groundwork for the development of English architecture and had a profound impact on theatrical design during the era.
Jacobean Era: The Jacobean Era refers to the period in English history during the reign of King James I from 1603 to 1625. This era is characterized by a flourishing of literature, particularly drama, as well as advancements in culture and the arts, marking a transition from the Elizabethan literary style to a more complex and darker tone that reflected the social and political issues of the time.
Justice: Justice refers to the moral principle of fairness and the pursuit of what is right, often embodying the idea of giving each individual their due. It encompasses themes of law, equity, and moral rightness, influencing how societies operate and how individuals relate to one another. In literature, justice is often explored through characters’ actions, the consequences of those actions, and the societal structures that define right and wrong.
Manipulation: Manipulation refers to the act of skillfully influencing or controlling someone or something, often in a deceptive or underhanded manner. In literature, manipulation can involve characters employing cunning strategies to gain power or achieve their objectives, which can drive conflict and reveal deeper themes about human nature and morality.
Mosca: In the context of Ben Jonson's plays, 'Mosca' refers to a cunning and manipulative character who often serves as a schemer or a subordinate to a more powerful figure. This character type exemplifies themes of deception, ambition, and social commentary prevalent in Jonson's works, particularly in his exploration of human folly and moral corruption. Mosca's role often highlights the complexities of relationships in a society marked by ambition and betrayal.
New Historicism: New Historicism is a literary theory that emphasizes the historical context in which a work of literature is created, arguing that literature and history are interconnected. It focuses on how cultural, social, and political factors of a specific time influence literary texts, and in turn, how those texts reflect or shape historical narratives.
Prologue: A prologue is an introductory section of a literary work that provides context, background information, or sets the stage for the main story. In the context of drama, especially in Ben Jonson's plays, the prologue serves as a way for the playwright to engage the audience, outline themes, and establish the tone of the performance.
Prose vs Verse: Prose and verse are two fundamental forms of writing. Prose is the ordinary form of written or spoken language that follows natural speech patterns, while verse is a structured form of writing that uses metrical and rhythmic patterns, often associated with poetry. Understanding the difference is essential, especially when analyzing works, as each form serves different purposes and creates distinct effects on the audience.
Satire: Satire is a literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or society as a whole. It often aims to provoke thought and encourage change by highlighting flaws and absurdities within its subject matter. Through its sharp commentary, satire can reveal deeper truths about human nature and social issues.
Shakespeare: Shakespeare refers to William Shakespeare, an iconic English playwright and poet who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. His works, characterized by their exploration of human nature, complex characters, and innovative use of language, have had a profound influence on literature and drama. He is often considered one of the greatest writers in the English language, and his themes resonate across various genres and formats, connecting deeply with other literary figures and traditions.
Silent woman trope: The silent woman trope refers to a recurring literary and theatrical motif where female characters are portrayed as voiceless, submissive, or passive, often serving to highlight the dominance of male characters. This trope underscores themes of gender inequality and the marginalization of women's voices in narratives, particularly in the works of playwrights such as Ben Jonson, where women often exist in the shadows of their male counterparts.
Social class: Social class refers to a hierarchical structure in society that groups individuals based on factors such as wealth, occupation, education, and social status. This term plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of power and privilege within a society, influencing everything from personal relationships to broader cultural narratives. The examination of social class provides insight into characters' motivations, societal expectations, and the disparities that exist among different groups.
Social Criticism: Social criticism is an analytical approach that seeks to examine and evaluate societal structures, norms, and practices, often highlighting inequalities and injustices. It encourages reflection and dialogue about social issues, aiming to inspire change and improvement within society. This critique can manifest through various forms of art and literature, utilizing satire, irony, and other devices to challenge the status quo and provoke thought among audiences.
The Alchemist: The Alchemist is a comedic play written by Ben Jonson that satirizes the themes of greed, deception, and the pursuit of wealth through alchemy. The story revolves around a con artist who uses the art of persuasion and trickery to exploit the gullibility of his clients, reflecting on the folly of human ambition and desire for quick riches. This play stands out as a critical commentary on social dynamics and human nature.
Theatre of the renaissance: The theatre of the Renaissance refers to the dramatic and theatrical arts that flourished in Europe from the late 15th century to the early 17th century, particularly in England and Italy. This period saw a revival of classical themes, the development of new dramatic forms, and significant advancements in stagecraft and performance techniques, ultimately shaping the foundation of modern theatre. It also reflected the cultural shifts of the time, with a focus on humanism, individualism, and a new appreciation for the complexity of human experience.
Tragedy: Tragedy is a dramatic genre that presents serious and often somber themes, typically involving the downfall of a protagonist due to a combination of fate, moral failings, or societal pressures. This genre evokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis, or emotional cleansing. Tragedy explores complex human experiences, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of actions, often highlighting the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Volpone: Volpone is a comedic play written by Ben Jonson, first performed in 1605, that revolves around a wealthy con man who pretends to be on his deathbed to dupe greedy individuals into giving him gifts. The play highlights themes of greed, deception, and the moral consequences of corruption, showcasing Jonson's sharp wit and critique of society’s vices.
Wit and wordplay: Wit and wordplay refer to the clever use of language to create humor, irony, or a play on words. This technique often involves puns, double entendres, and other forms of linguistic creativity that challenge the audience’s perceptions and invite deeper thinking. In various forms of drama, especially in comedic contexts, wit serves as a tool to highlight social commentary, character traits, and the absurdities of human behavior.