Volpone; Or, The Fox

By Ben Jonson

English writer Ben Jonson created the satirical comedy drama "Volpone; Or, The Fox." One of Jonson's most important pieces, it was originally performed in 1605. The drama examines issues of greed, trickery, and the corrupting effects of money and power. Volpone is a rich Venetian magnifico who pretends to have a fatal sickness in order to entice different unscrupulous people who want to acquire his money. Volpone is the protagonist of the narrative. Volpone's deft ploy starts a chain of events including complex schemes, impersonations, and manipulation. His major helper in carrying out his tricks is a smart servant by the name of Mosca. Jonson mocks the vices and follies of Venetian society throughout the play, especially its preoccupation with money and material wealth. The people that surround Volpone, such as the attorneys, businessmen, and legacy seekers, are represented as being morally bankrupt and corrupt. They flatter one other and engage in complicated plots because they want Volpone's fortune.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CMMRJPBR
• ISBN13: 9789358592122
• Release Date: July 2023
• Publisher: Double 9 Books
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Each version and edition reveal new facets.

I came upon this play and Ben Jonson by the back door. I was watching a movie titled "The Honey Pot" (1967) with Rex Harrison. His character, Cecil Fox, after observing this play, used the outline for his purposes. So naturally, I must read the play to see what the movie is mimicking. I have several copies of "Volpone" (the fox) to compare information on Ben. This is a review of the "New Mermaids Series." I have several of their series. They give you all the background information and any annotations needed. They make the information interesting enough that you feel that Ben Jonson is in the room with you. I am sure some people would not want to be in the same room. I was surprised to find that William Shakespeare acted in some of Ben's plays. The play is well-written and has many levels to it. If it did not have so many footnotes, I would be in trouble. It reads like an English play, yet has parts that would make Stephen King blush. Any version is better than none.