4.3 Ben Jonson's plays

Ben Jonson's plays are cornerstones of English Renaissance drama. His works, including Volpone and The Alchemist, showcase his mastery of satirical comedy and social commentary, blending classical influences with sharp observations of contemporary society.

Jonson's distinctive style features humours comedy, biting satire, and complex characters. His plays explore themes of greed, deception, and social criticism, using clever language and dramatic techniques to entertain and instruct audiences on human folly 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

• 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 avarice, manipulation, and justice
• Incorporates elements of beast fable and morality play traditions

The Alchemist

• Critiques human gullibility 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 carnivalesque elements to subvert social hierarchies and norms

Epicene

• Explores gender roles 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 classical allusions 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 dramatic irony 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 Shakespeare 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