Volpone : Quotations
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.
Quotations
“I’ll bury him [Volpone], or gain by him: I am his heir.”
Explanation: Mosca is the speaker here. He realizes that Volpone will never fully appreciate or reward him as the mastermind who acquired his wealth. Mosca knows that he will have to use his strategic skills to take what he believes is rightfully his from his “lord.”
“What a rare punishment is avarice to itself.”
Explanation: Volpone mocks the greedy legacy-hunters. Greed makes people suffer. A greedy person never feels peace. His own desire becomes his punishment.
“Highest female grace is silence.”
Explanation: Being annoyed at Lady Politik’s talkative behavior, Volpone utters these words. This line reflects the old belief that good women should be quiet and obedient.
“No, it must be one that has no tricks, sir.”
Explanation: Mosca says Volpone wants an innocent woman, someone without cleverness or trickery.
“O, sir, the wonder, The blazing star of Italy!
… a soft lip, Would tempt you to eternity of kissing!”
Explanation: Mosca flatters Volpone by praising Celia’s beauty. He says her lips are so soft that Volpone would want to kiss her forever.
“I fear I shall begin to grow in love with my dear self.”
Explanation: Here, Mosca recognizes himself as the mastermind behind Volpone’s success. He admits that even though he came from nothing, he still has the ability to control and manipulate more powerful and important people.
“Free the forced lady, or thou diest, impostor.”
Explanation: Bonario threatens Volpone when he sees him forcing Celia. He commands him to stop or die.
“Now, now, my clients Begin their visitation!
Vulture, kite, Raven, and gorcrow, all my birds of prey.”
Explanation: Volpone compares his greedy visitors to birds of prey who come to feed on his “dying” body.
“Yield, or I’ll force thee.”
Explanation: Volpone tries to force Celia to love him. He threatens her when she refuses.
Moral Lesson: The play teaches that greed, pride, and deception always lead to ruin. Those who cheat others for money suffer in the end. No trick can hide the truth forever. Only honesty and kindness bring peace. In Volpone, every evil act gets punishment, and every good act gets reward.