Ben Jonson’s Comedies: A Deep Dive into Volpone and His Dramatic Theory
Ben Jonson’s Major Comedies: Serio Ludere
Jonson aimed to teach through his comedies, entertaining audiences while imparting valuable lessons.
Biographical Profile of Ben Jonson (1592-1637)
While less renowned today than Shakespeare, Jonson’s life is well-documented.
- Londoner: His birthplace, London, played a significant role in his works.
- Soldier: He served in the Low Countries.
- Learned: Despite lacking formal university education, he was arguably the most classically educated Elizabethan poet.
- Actor: He acted, though not considered particularly skilled.
- Turbulent Life: He killed actor Gabriel Harvey in a duel and faced imprisonment multiple times.
- Laureate Poet: Appointed in 1617.
- Friendship with Shakespeare: He penned the poem “To the Memory of my Beloved, the Author” for the First Folio.
- Buried in Westminster Abbey: His epitaph reads “O rare Ben Jonson,” highlighting his unique and unconventional approach to literature.
Ben Jonson and Shakespeare
First Paragraph (Craig)
Both playwrights competed for recognition. Jonson’s work, likened to a Spanish galleon, is detailed yet slower-paced than Shakespeare’s, a distinction that fueled critical debate for centuries.
Second Paragraph (Barish)
Critics often elevated Shakespeare to a literary deity, a subjective and arguably biased perspective.
Ben Jonson and the Critics
Jonson’s classicism and erudition initially drew negative responses. He was often labeled a classical writer, a representative of classical comedy, and contrasted with Shakespeare for his intellectual approach. However, the 20th century saw a resurgence in appreciation for his work, thanks to critics like T.S. Eliot.
Jonson’s Classicism
Jonson’s theatrical career is typically divided into three phases. His early satirical comedies laid the groundwork for his mature style, characterized by:
- Literary Allusions: Extensive use of Greek and Roman sources.
- Moral Reflection: Challenging audience beliefs and promoting self-improvement.
- Blurred Boundaries: Intermingling the onstage world with the reality of actors and audience.
- Playfulness: A sense of comedic gamesmanship, often involving practical jokes.
- Topicality: Firmly rooted in contemporary politics and events, particularly London life.
Jonson’s theatrical roots stem from his intellectual pursuits and his experiences in early modern London society.
Jonson’s Masques
Jonson developed masques as elaborate courtly entertainment, often performed during Christmas with participation from the entire household, though professional actors handled speaking roles.
Ben Jonson’s Comedy
- Realistic and Didactic: Grounded in real-life experiences and aimed at moral instruction.
- City Comedy: Pioneered this subgenre alongside Middleton, satirizing urban life.
- Focus on Ordinary Lives: Depicted the survival strategies of everyday people across social strata.
- Impression of Actuality: Employed realism to enhance audience engagement and persuasion.
- London as a Setting: Utilized London as a backdrop for his comedic explorations.
- Dramatization of Folly: Highlighted human foolishness and vices.
- Intellectual Theatre: Prioritized intellectual stimulation over emotional appeal.
Despite being written by the same author, Jonson’s comedies and masques differed significantly in style and purpose.
Ben Jonson’s Comic Theory
1st Excerpt
Jonson, being an intellectual, meticulously justified his comedic approach. He often included prologues, like in Volpone, to explain his satirical intentions and societal critiques.
2nd Excerpt
Jonson’s comedy embraced patriotism and societal engagement. He subtly aimed to improve society by incorporating marginalized characters and highlighting moral shortcomings, a challenging balance between criticism and humor.
Volpone
Based on rumors surrounding wealthy Londoner Thomas Sutton, Volpone remains a cornerstone of English comedy.
- Highly Acclaimed: Considered one of the greatest English comedies.
- Frequently Performed: Continues to be staged regularly.
- Written at Age 32: A product of Jonson’s maturity as a playwright.
- Premiere and Publication: First performed in 1605 and published in 1607.
- Included in the 1616 Folio.
The Setting: Venice
Jonson chose Venice as a setting to provide a critical distance, allowing him to satirize London society without directly confronting its sensitivities. Venice, though accurately depicted based on accounts from Jonson’s friend John Florio, serves as a metaphor for London’s decadence and corruption.
Classical Elements
- Structure: Adheres to the unities of time and place.
- Characterisation: Employs archetypal characters rather than deeply individualized ones.
- Plot Source: Draws inspiration from classical writers like Horace, Juvenal, and Petronius.
- Didactic and Moral Intention: Embraces the classical ideal of teaching and delighting.
Dedication, Argument, and Prologue
These introductory elements provide valuable context. The Dedication to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge underscores Jonson’s moral objectives and his critique of inferior playwrights. The Argument summarizes the plot, while the Prologue sets the stage for the play’s themes and satirical intent.
Topics and Interpretations
- Materialism and Dehumanization: Explores the corrupting influence of wealth and the reduction of individuals to animalistic pursuits.
- Disease and Deformity: Utilizes imagery of carrion birds to symbolize moral decay.
- Language as Manipulation: Volpone’s mastery of language allows him to deceive and control others.
- Social Degradation: Exposes the hypocrisy and moral bankruptcy of Venetian (and by extension, London) society.
Volpone stands as a powerful and enduring satire of human greed and societal corruption, solidifying Ben Jonson’s place as a master of English comedy.