Cynthia's Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love

"Cynthia's Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love" by Ben Jonson is a comedic play written during the early 17th century. The narrative unfolds in a fantastical court setting where the themes of self-love and the pursuit of virtue are explored through various characters that embody different traits and qualities. Central to the unfolding drama are characters such as Cynthia, Echo, and Cupid, who all engage in a revelrous atmosphere filled with satire and commentary on human behavior. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the characters and the setting in a playful manner, initiated by a conversation between Cupid and Mercury. The stage is set in the enchanting grove of Gargaphie, where Cupid decides to abandon his divine role and assume the guise of a page in order to pursue the nymphs of Cynthia’s court. The dialogue alternates between lively banter and prologue-like introductions, showcasing Jonson's wit and humor. Various other characters like Amorphus, Crites, and Asotus are introduced, each with their own quirks and comedic significance, setting the stage for conflicts and interactions that will explore the folly of self-love and the nature of true virtue as the revels unfold.