Volpone
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Volpone by Ben Jonson is a satirical Jacobean comedy about the greed and deception surrounding Volpone, a wealthy con artist who pretends to be on his deathbed to attract legacy hunters like Corvino, Corbaccio, Voltore, and Lady Would-be Politic, each hoping to inherit his fortune, while aided by his cunning servant Mosca. The tale unfolds with disguises, schemes, false accusations, and courtroom drama, ultimately culminating in the exposure and punishment of all involved. The play includes themes and events involving abuse and the attempted assault of a person.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ben Jonson's Volpone is widely praised for its sharp wit and vibrant depiction of greed and corruption. Critics commend its satirical brilliance and complex characters. However, some find the dense language and intricate plot challenging. Overall, it's a masterful comedy that remains relevant and thought-provoking.
Who Should Read Volpone?
A reader who appreciates satire, dark humor, and social commentary, akin to that in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde or The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, would enjoy Ben Jonson’s Volpone. They likely enjoy intricate plots, clever wordplay, and critiques of greed and corruption.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
We’re just getting started.
Add this title to our requested Study Guides list!
We’re just getting started.
Add this title to our requested Study Guides list!
We’re just getting started.
Add this title to our requested Study Guides list!
A SuperSummary Plot Summary provides a quick, full synopsis of a text.
A SuperSummary Study Guide — a modern alternative to Sparknotes & CliffsNotes — provides so much more, including chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and important quotes.
See the difference for yourself. Check out this sample Study Guide:
