Ben Johnson When Pigs Fly

Ben Johnson's "Volpone": When Pigs Fly – A Deep Dive into Satire, Greed, and Deception

Ben Jonson's Volpone, a Jacobean masterpiece, is a scathing satire that skewers the human vices of greed, avarice, and deception. The seemingly impossible event of "pigs flying" represents the absurd lengths to which characters will go to achieve their desires, highlighting the irrationality of unchecked ambition. Now, the play's title, often misinterpreted as a simple comedic exaggeration, actually serves as a potent symbol reflecting the play's core themes. This article will get into the intricacies of Volpone, exploring its satirical targets, dramatic techniques, and enduring relevance in a world still grappling with similar societal ills.

Introduction: A World of Deceit and Disguise

Volpone unfolds in the opulent yet morally bankrupt Venice of Jonson's time. The central character, Volpone (meaning "sly fox"), is a wealthy and aging nobleman who feigns illness to lure a group of avaricious sycophants into a web of elaborate deceit. These flatterers, including Mosca (his cunning servant), Corbaccio, Corvino, and Voltore, are all driven by an insatiable desire for Volpone's fortune. They believe they can manipulate and outwit one another in a vicious game where only the most cunning will survive. Jonson uses Volpone not merely to entertain but to expose the hypocrisy and moral decay prevalent in Venetian society – a society obsessed with wealth and power, at the expense of humanity. The play's enduring power lies in its timeless exploration of human nature and the corrosive effects of greed.

The Characters: A Gallery of Vice

Jonson masterfully crafts a cast of characters representing a range of vices and follies. Each character is a caricature, exaggerated for comedic effect but grounded in recognizable human traits.

• Volpone: The central figure, Volpone embodies the ultimate vice: avarice. He revels in the power his wealth affords him, manipulating those around him with calculated cruelty. His cunning is matched only by his insatiable hunger for more. He’s not simply greedy; he derives pleasure from the deception itself.

• Mosca: Volpone's intensely loyal and equally cunning servant. Mosca's intelligence surpasses Volpone's, making him arguably the most formidable character in the play. He orchestrates the elaborate schemes, expertly playing the various suitors against each other. Unlike Volpone, Mosca is motivated by ambition and a desire for social advancement, demonstrating that even those seemingly loyal can be driven by self-interest.

• Corbaccio, Corvino, and Voltore: These three represent the avaricious suitors, each vying for Volpone's inheritance. Corbaccio is a bitter old man, willing to sacrifice his own son for Volpone's wealth. Corvino, obsessed with his daughter Celia's honor (though only concerned about the social standing it might bring), is easily manipulated by Volpone. Voltore, a lawyer, is a symbol of legal corruption, using his profession to further his greedy ambition. Each character exemplifies the destructive nature of ambition unchecked by morality.

• Celia: Volpone's young and virtuous ward, a refreshing contrast to the morally bankrupt world around her. She represents a sense of hope and resilience amidst the pervasive corruption, showcasing the potential for genuine virtue even in the face of overwhelming depravity. Her defiance underscores the play's exploration of morality and its ultimate triumph.

The Plot: A Masterclass in Dramatic Irony and Satire

The play's plot hinges on a series of elaborate deceptions. Volpone feigns death multiple times, drawing out the pathetic pleas and desperate offers from his potential heirs. Jonson masterfully employs dramatic irony, as the audience is privy to the deception while the characters remain blissfully ignorant of the truth, until it is too late. That said, the comedic effect stems from the characters' hubris and their inability to recognize their own folly. The play's structure builds tension as each scheme unfolds, culminating in a chaotic climax where the various plots collide, revealing the deceptive nature of each character. The "when pigs fly" element is evident throughout; the absurd level of greed and manipulation required for their schemes to work underlines the play’s satirical critique.

Jonson's Satirical Targets: A Mirror to Society

Jonson's satire transcends mere entertainment; it serves as a potent social commentary. The play critiques several aspects of Jacobean society:

• Greed and Avarice: The play's most prominent target is the all-consuming greed that dominates the lives of the main characters. Jonson highlights the absurdity and destructiveness of this unchecked ambition, showing how it corrodes relationships, morality, and ultimately, happiness.

• Social Climbing and Hypocrisy: The characters' relentless pursuit of social status and wealth exposes the hypocrisy prevalent in Venetian society. They readily betray their friends and family in pursuit of their selfish desires, demonstrating the moral decay at the heart of the social structure.

• Legal Corruption: Voltore's character satirizes the legal profession and the potential for corruption within the justice system. His eagerness to exploit the situation for personal gain underscores the lack of integrity among those who should uphold the law.

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• Patriarchal Power Structures: The play also touches upon the patriarchal power dynamics of the time, exemplified by Corvino's possessive attitude toward his daughter Celia. His concern for her honor is entirely self-serving, reflecting the limitations and constraints placed upon women in Jacobean society.

Dramatic Techniques: Jonson's Masterful Craft

Jonson's mastery as a playwright is evident in his skillful use of several dramatic techniques:

• Satire: The play's overarching tone is satirical, employing humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose and criticize the flaws of human nature and society.

• Caricature: The characters are exaggerated representations of human vices, creating highly comedic and memorable figures.

• Dramatic Irony: The audience is consistently aware of the deception unfolding, creating tension and highlighting the characters' foolishness.

• Wit and Wordplay: Jonson's language is rich in wit and wordplay, adding to the comedic effect and intellectual stimulation of the play.

• Masque Elements: The play incorporates elements of the masque, a form of courtly entertainment, further enriching the theatrical experience.

The Enduring Relevance of Volpone: A Timeless Tale

Despite being written centuries ago, Volpone remains strikingly relevant today. The play serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of moral integrity. The characters' relentless pursuit of wealth and power, at the expense of all else, resonates with contemporary audiences who witness similar struggles in the modern world of finance, politics, and even everyday life. Practically speaking, the human vices it satirizes – greed, ambition, deception – continue to plague societies worldwide. The "pigs flying" element persists in our reality, representing the improbable yet often-attempted feats driven by irrational desire.

FAQ: Answering Common Questions about Volpone

Q: What is the main theme of Volpone?

A: The main theme revolves around the corrosive effects of greed and avarice. The play explores how the relentless pursuit of wealth and power can corrupt individuals and destroy relationships.

Q: Who is the most compelling character in Volpone?

A: This is subjective, but many argue that Mosca is the most compelling. His cunning and ambition are matched only by his loyalty (though it's a self-serving loyalty). He's the mastermind behind many of the play's schemes, making him a fascinating and complex character.

Q: How does Volpone use humor?

A: Jonson utilizes various forms of humor, including slapstick, witty dialogue, dramatic irony, and caricature. The humor often serves to highlight the absurdity of the characters' actions and expose their flaws.

Q: What is the significance of the title, Volpone?

A: Volpone means "sly fox" in Italian, an apt description of the play's protagonist. The title immediately sets the tone, hinting at the deception and cunning that will unfold.

Q: Why is Volpone still relevant today?

A: The play's themes of greed, deception, and social climbing are timeless. The human vices explored remain prevalent in society, making Volpone's message as potent today as it was centuries ago.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Satire and Insight

Ben Jonson's Volpone is a masterful work of satire that transcends its Jacobean context. By exposing the flaws and follies of its characters, Volpone ultimately offers a cautionary tale, urging us to reflect on the ethical implications of our pursuits and the importance of moral integrity in a world often driven by greed. The play's enduring legacy lies in its sharp wit, memorable characters, and timeless commentary on the darker aspects of human nature. Think about it: the seemingly impossible event of "pigs flying" serves as a powerful metaphor for the irrationality of unchecked ambition. Its exploration of greed, deception, and the human capacity for self-destruction resonates profoundly with modern audiences. Here's the thing — the play's enduring appeal lies in its ability to both entertain and provoke, challenging us to confront the shadows within ourselves and the societies we inhabit. Its message continues to resonate, proving that even when pigs fly, the consequences of unchecked ambition remain grounded in reality.