How does Bonario protect Celia in Valpone’s room? 

Answer

 How does Bonario protect Celia in Valpone’s room? 

In Ben Jonson’s (1572-1637) play “Volpone” (1606), Volpone is a rich, greedy, and lustful man. He wants to sleep with Corvino’s beautiful wife, Celia. So, he devises a plan and convinces Corvino to send his wife to him. Alone in his room, Volpone tries to rape Celia. But a brave gentleman named Bonario comes in and saves Celia. Here is how Bonario protects Celia from Volpone’s grasp.

Volpone’s Plan to Rape Celia: Volpone devises a plan with his parasite Mosca to sleep with Celia. So, Mosca convinces Corvino to send his wife to Volpone’s bed. He says this will help him get Volpone’s favour. In this way, Corvino will get Volpone’s property after his death. So, Corvino brings his wife to Volpone.

Celia’s Innocence: Now Volpone is alone with Celia in his room. He tells Celia that he loves her and wants to enjoy love with her. He shows her his gold, silver, and treasures to impress her. But Celia says she only values her innocence and purity. Celia begs him to kill her instead of touching her.

Bonario’s Action: At this time, Bonario is present in Volpone’s house. Bonario is invited there by the cunning Mosca. Mosca wants to show him how his father, Corbaccio, disinherits him and gives the property to Volpone.

Suddenly, Bonario hears Celia’s scream. He storms into Volpone’s room and saves Celia. He shouts at Volpone and calls him “libidinous swine” (lustful swine). Bonario tells Volpone to free Celia or he will kill him. He says:

“Free the forced lady, or thou diest, impostor.”

Then, Bonario says he will not kill Volpone only because he believes in justice. Bonario tells Celia they should leave the place. He tells her not to be afraid and that he will protect her. He also says that Volpone will be punished soon.

In short, Bonario’s brave and quick action saves Celia. His actions and respect for justice show that he is