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Cover of Volpone; Or, The Fox

Volpone; Or, The Fox

Written by Ben Jonson

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English dramaEnglish drama (Comedy)Inheritance and successionExtortionSatire, EnglishVenice (Italy)

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About this book

"Volpone; Or, The Fox" by Ben Jonson is a play written during the early 17th century, renowned as a significant work of English drama. This comedic piece revolves around the cunning and avaricious nobleman Volpone, who feigns illness to manipulate those eager to inherit his wealth. The narrative unfolds in Venice, presenting a tapestry of characters driven by greed, deceit, and ambition. The opening of "Volpone" introduces us to the titular character and his crafty servant, Mosca. Volpone is depicted as a wealthy man who pretends to be on his deathbed, using this guise to lure various suitors, including corrupt lawyers and greedy merchants, who hope to gain his fortune through flattery and gifts. As each character arrives, zealous for a piece of Volpone’s wealth, Mosca cleverly manipulates the situation, setting the stage for schemes of love, betrayal, and humor. Jonson’s sharp wit and keen observations of human folly are evident, laying the groundwork for a satirical exploration of greed and societal morality.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Volpone; Or, The Fox, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 6 hours
  • advanced
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • dark

Ben Jonson’s 'Volpone; Or, The Fox' is a sharp Jacobean comedy of humours set in Venice, where the wealthy, childless nobleman Volpone feigns mortal illness to trick a trio of avaricious suitors—Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino—into showering him with gifts in hopes of inheriting his fortune. Aided by his cunning servant, Mosca, Volpone orchestrates elaborate deceptions that expose the depths of human greed and moral corruption. The play escalates into a series of increasingly audacious schemes, including an attempted seduction and multiple court trials, culminating in the fraudsters' ultimate downfall and public disgrace. Jonson masterfully satirizes societal venality and the perversion of justice, delivering a powerful moral allegory on the consequences of unchecked avarice.

“Good morning to the day; and next, my gold!”

Key themes

Greed and Avarice
This is the central driving force of the play, exploring how insatiable desire for wealth corrupts individuals and society. Jonson meticulously details the lengths to which people will go to acquire money, from flattery and bribery to moral compromise and even attempted sexual assault.
Deceit and Manipulation
The entire plot is built upon an intricate web of deception. Volpone feigns illness, Mosca manipulates everyone, and the suitors engage in their own forms of deceit. The play explores the psychological pleasure derived from trickery and the corrosive effect it has on truth and relationships.
Human Folly and Corruption
Jonson's play is a comprehensive study of human folly, particularly how individuals are blinded by their desires and susceptible to manipulation. It showcases the spectrum of moral corruption, from petty greed to profound depravity, illustrating the ease with which people abandon ethical principles for personal gain.

Worth discussing

How does Jonson use animal imagery and names to characterize Volpone, Mosca, and the suitors? What does this suggest about human nature?

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