Justify Volpone as a Beast Fable
Volpone is a notable literary work by Ben Jonson. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Volpone.
Answer
Justify “Volpone” as a beast fable.
Or, Find out the animal imagery in the play “Volpone.”
Or, Write about the significance of the names of the characters in “Volpone”.
Ben Jonson’s (1572-1637) “Volpone,” first produced in 1605–1606, is among the finest Jacobean era comedies. The play is a beast fable where human characteristics are depicted through animal symbolism. Jonson focuses on the animal-like characteristics of his characters to satire greed and lust, making the play a successful beast fable.
Beast Fable: Beast fables are stories that feature animals in fantastical roles. These stories often have a moral lesson to share, a lesson for the audience.
“Volpone” is a different beast fable since its characters are humans, not animals. The play is rich in animal imagery, particularly through the names of its characters. For instance, Volpone means sly fox. The name suggests the character’s personality: greedy and cunning.
Volpone: Volpone means “sly fox” in Italian. The fox is known for its cunning and trickery. In the play, Volpone is a greedy old man who schemes to deceive people. He worships gold as a saint.
Good morning to the day; and next, my gold:
Open the shrine, that I may see my Saint.
He is rich but wants more money. Volpone pretends to be sick on his deathbed. So, when the legacy hunters come to impress Volpone with valuable gifts, expecting to be his heir, he loots them. Volpone’s parasite servant Mosca even convinces Corbaccio to disinherit his son, Bonario, and give his property to Volpone. Volpone is also a lustful man. He manipulates Corvino to sleep with his beautiful wife, Celia. His cleverness and deceit define his character.
Mosca: Mosca means “fly” in Italian. A fly is often seen as a parasite, living off others. Mosca, Volpone’s servant, embodies this role. Mosca helps Volpone in his scheme. In the end, the parasite Mosca tries to deceive his own master. He schemes to take over Volpone’s large fortune.
I’ll bury
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