Ben Jonson, born on 11 June 1572, was an English dramatist, poet, and literary critic. After completing his formal education, he joined his stepfather’s business, but left it to pursue a career in writing. By 1597, he was writing plays for Philip Henslowe. Jonson became a name to reckon with in 1598, when his play Every Man in His Humour was successfully presented by the Lord Chamberlain’s theatrical company. Known for his literary craftsmanship and his fine artistic ability, Jonson’s direct influence is discernible in each genre he explored. Every Man in His Humour (1598), Volpone (1605), Epicoene; or, The Silent Woman (1609), and Bartholomew Fair (1614) are amongst his most notable plays. Remembered as the second most important English dramatist after William Shakespeare, Jonson died in 1637.
“Poor wretches! I rather pity their folly and indiscretion, than their loss of time and money; for these may be recovered by Industry: but to be a fool born is a disease incurable.” Written by English dramatist, Ben Jonson, Volpone, the 17th-century Renaissance drama is a sharp comment on society, that underscores elements of dark humour, greed and lust. Partially classified as a beast-fable, its central character Volpone, a wealthy old man, is bedridden. Drawn to him are three legacy hunters - voltore, a lawyer, corbaccio, an old gentleman and corvino, a merchant - who lavish gifts on him in the hope of inheriting the estate from a grateful Volpone upon his death. Believed to be amongst the finest Jacobean comedies and Ben jonson’s most performed play, Volpone derives its strength from its unforgettable lesson on human greed and avarice.
