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Unit 16: Volpone: Satire and all its Detailed Analysis and Comedy

be false, the audience has shown itself to be “gulled” (fooled) by Volpone, and so we are now much Notes
less likely to take his side. Our loss of sympathy for Volpone and his loss of control over the situation
lead to what can be termed as the “disestablishing” of Volpone as the play’s protagonist: he is no
longer is the hero, or even the anti-hero, of the play, which he has been since the first scene. From
his perspective within the play, he is no longer in control over his own life. Instead, the increasingly
independent Mosca becomes a substitute protagonist, and Mosca’s “sidekick” role is assumed by
Voltore. In Act V, Volpone seems to regain control over his life (and his role as protagonist), but this
leads to a destructive confrontation between him and Mosca. The didactic element of Volpone
becomes pronounced here. Jonson teaches us in this scene never to trust someone like Volpone, an
energetic person with a gift for deceit, and he will attempt to show that, in the end, people like
Volpone are always done in, usually by their own decision to trust someone.

Self Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Which of the following statements is correct about the text of Volpone.
(a) The opening part is superflous
(b) Dedication gives the information for the purpose of writing of this play
(c) The prologue sets illogical tone
(d) The work is of serious intelluctual and immoral weight.

2. The construction of first scene of the play volpone is
(a) deceitful
(b) straight forward
(c) superflous
(d) of conceit situation.
3. Through the device of Volpone’s con, Jonson makes his satiric commentary on
(a) lust
(b) desire for wealth
(c) greed
(d) situational irony.

Fill in the Blanks:
4. When Volpone loses control with Celia, he breaks the ......... rules.
5. The idea of satirizing a ......... for talking too much and fussing over her appearance
are considered fairly tired clichés and are also sexist.
6. Against the greed for pleasure, Celia and Bonario are posited as the twin voices of
......... .
7. Mosca opens the act 3 with a ......... .
State whether the following statements are true or false:
8. Lady Politic Would-be was identified by her husband, Sir Politic, as the reason the
couple came to Venice.
9. Volpone’s prayers to be rescued from Lady Politic are answered when Mosca finally
hatch a conspiracy.
10. This scene I of Act 2 introduces us to the Sir Politic Would-be subplot of Volpone.

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