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"Sejanus: His Fall" by Ben Jonson portrays the downfall of Lucius Aelius Sejanus, a historical figure who rose to power as the commander of the Praetorian Guard in ancient Rome. The play explores themes of political ambition, corruption, and the dangers of seeking too much power. Sejanus conspires to overthrow Emperor Tiberius, but his ambitious plans unravel as his allies turn against him. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences...
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"The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson is a comedic play that satirizes the greed and gullibility of its characters. Set in London, it follows three con artists who exploit the desire for wealth and transformation. As they pose as alchemists, chaos ensues when their schemes collide. The play humorously examines human flaws and the pursuit of unrealistic ambitions, showcasing Jonson's wit and social commentary.
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Benjamin Jonson (1572-1637) was a Renaissance dramatist, poet and actor, known best for his satirical plays and lyric poems. He had a knack for absurdity and hypocrisy, a trait that made him immensely popular in the 17th century Renaissance period. However, his reputation diminished somewhat in the Romantic era, when he began to be unfairly compared to Shakespeare. The Theatre in London had had been denied to "The Admiral's Men" in 1597, but the troupe...
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"Cynthia's Revels: The Fountain of Self-Love" by Ben Jonson is a satirical play that delves into the world of courtly flattery, vanity, and self-indulgence. The court of Queen Cynthia (a representation of Queen Elizabeth I) is populated by characters representing various vices and follies. The central character, Crites, is a young courtier who seeks self-improvement through the Fountain of Self-Love. Through witty dialogues and sharp humor, Jonson...
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"Epicoene: The Silent Woman" is a comedic play by Ben Jonson. Morose, a wealthy old man, seeks a wife who is quiet and silent. He plans to disinherit his nephew if he doesn't marry Epicoene, a supposedly silent woman. However, Epicoene turns out to be a young man in disguise. Chaos erupts as characters scheme to uphold the deception. Jonson's play humorously critiques societal expectations of gender roles, marriage, and appearances, while exploring...
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Volpone the Fox by Ben Jonson is a brilliant satire that delves into the themes of greed, deceit, and the corrupting power of wealth. Set in Renaissance Venice, the play centers on the cunning Volpone, who, along with his clever servant Mosca, devises a scheme to swindle the city's wealthy yet gullible citizens. Jonson masterfully crafts a narrative filled with sharp wit, humor, and a deep understanding of human nature, as he exposes the folly and...
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Jonson's play uses this fair as the setting for an unusually detailed and diverse panorama of early seventeenth-century London life. The one day of fair life represented in the play allows Jonson ample opportunity to not just conduct his plot, but also to depict the vivid life of the fair, from pickpockets and bullies to justices and slumming gallants. Jonson also uses the characters that he creates as a way to comment on the social, religious and...