Volpone; Or, The Fox by Ben Jonson
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Ben Jonson's Volpone is a wild ride through a Venice where everyone has a price tag. Forget romance—this is a play about greed, pure and simple.
The Story
Volpone ('The Fox') is filthy rich and has a brilliant, nasty idea. He fakes a serious illness and lets it be known he's searching for an heir. Three awful men—a lawyer, a merchant, and an old miser—fall for it completely. They shower Volpone with jewels, money, and even their wives, each trying to out-bribe the others to become the sole beneficiary of his fake will. Volpone and his sharp servant, Mosca ('The Fly'), have a great time watching these vultures circle. But the game spins out of control when Mosca sees a chance to grab all the money for himself, and Volpone's final joke on the city's court backfires spectacularly.
Why You Should Read It
What's amazing is how modern it feels. The characters aren't just greedy; they're performatively, creatively greedy. You'll catch yourself laughing at their outrageous schemes, even as you're horrified. Jonson isn't subtle—he wants you to see how absurd and ugly this hunger for wealth is. The dialogue is sharp and witty, and the plot moves like a well-oiled trap, snapping shut on everyone in the end. It's a masterclass in dramatic irony, where you always know more than the suckers on stage.
Final Verdict
Perfect for anyone who loves a clever, dark comedy about bad people getting what they deserve. If you enjoy the witty dialogue of Oscar Wilde or the cynical twists of a good heist-gone-wrong movie, you'll find a kindred spirit in old Ben Jonson. It's a classic that doesn't feel like homework; it feels like watching a spectacular, 17th-century car crash you can't look away from.
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Sarah Garcia
7 months agoGreat reference material for my coursework.
Barbara Sanchez
1 year agoThis is one of those stories where the narrative structure is incredibly compelling. Thanks for sharing this review.
Margaret Garcia
10 months agoGreat reference material for my coursework.
Margaret Rodriguez
1 year agoFrom the very first page, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. Don't hesitate to start reading.
Melissa Davis
10 months agoThanks for the recommendation.