The Alchemist by Ben Jonson

-
 "The Alchemist" is a comedic play written by Ben Jonson and first performed in 1610. The play is set in Jacobean London and revolves around a trio of characters: Subtle, a fake alchemist; Face, his servant; and Dol Common, their housekeeper. 

The plot follows their scheme to con various gullible and superstitious characters who visit their house seeking to turn base metals into gold or find the secret to eternal youth. Each of these characters represents different facets of society, including a wealthy but foolish knight, a puritanical widow, a gullible tobacconist, and others.

The characters' interactions with Subtle and Face are both humorous and satirical, exposing the vices and follies of the people they encounter. The play explores themes of greed, deception, and the search for shortcuts to wealth and success. As the plot unfolds, the characters' ambitions clash, leading to a chaotic and comedic climax.

Eventually, the scheme unravels, and the con artists are exposed. The play ends with the characters facing the consequences of their actions, and they are left to deal with the fallout of their deceptions.

"The Alchemist" is known for its intricate plot, sharp wit, and clever wordplay. Jonson uses the characters and their interactions to critique various aspects of society, including the desire for quick riches, the susceptibility to manipulation, and the absurdities of human behavior.

The play's enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless themes and Jonson's skillful use of language and satire. It remains a classic example of Jacobean comedy and a testament to Jonson's literary prowess.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Summary for the Play Strife by John Galsworthy

-
Image
                                                                                        Strife -        John Galsworthy Strife is a three-act play written by John Galsworthy. It is his third play and the play highlights the social issues. It was produced in the year 1909 at the Duke of York Theatre. The title “strife” has a biblical meaning which means bitter conflict. The theme in this play is capital and labour. The action takes place on 7 th february at the Trenartha Tin Plate Work. The factory workers involve in a prolonged strike. There arises a conflict between the company chairman John Anthony and the workers leader Roberts. Both are very stern and adamant to compromise. Anthony was the chairman for 32 years and he is determined to fight and win. In his thirty two years of experience he has won four strikes. He was certain that he could win the strike once more. The directors felt unfair about the stern nature of Anthony. The directors were aware about the outcome of this
Read more

Like an Old Proud King in a Parable A. J.M. Smith, Summary for BA Students.

-
Image
  Like an Old Proud King in a Parable A. J.M. Smith The Poem Like an Old Proud King in a Parable was written by the Canadian Poet, A.J.M Smith. This poem appeared in McGill Fortnightly Review in the year 1926. In this poem Smith narrates the story of an Old King who abandons his Kingdom to become a poet. This poem depicts the poetic career of Smith. Smith breaks some of the old poetic conventions and brings novelty into the society. A king is bored to forego the pleasure of the Kingdom. He renounces his kingdom, and leave his flattering courtiers and adoring wife. The king readily sacrifices the existing kingly life and moves to a lonely land, “a meadow in the Northern Stone”. Northern Stone is in the northern parts of Canada, a land of mountain, snow and forest filled with nature. The King rejoices to live his life along the meadow. In the meadow he feels like an uncontrollable swan, “the heart that controlled liked swan”. The King desires to give up his worldly life and aspir
Read more

SUMMARY OF THE ECSTASY OF RITA JOE

-
Image
   THE ECSTASY OF RITA JOE George Ryga’s , The Ecstasy of Rita Joe is a play about a young Indian girl who comes to the city with great dreams. Her dreams get scattered as she enters the city Vancouver.  Sh e becomes one of the victims of the white man’s violence and control. The Ecstasy of Rita Joe describes the cruel life in the city for the native Canadians, as experienced by Rita Joe. This play explores the supremacy of the Whites towards the native Canadians. The protagonist of this play Rita Joe faces a world of prostitution and abuse. In the beginning act the magistrate reads over the charges levied upon Rita Joe. She is charged for prostitution, assault, stealing, vagrancy, shop lifting and for transmitting sexual diseases. The action of the play develops through the character of Rita Joe. Ryga uses flashback technique to narrate the story of Rita Joe.        Rita has lived in the reservation during her childhood days along with her sister Elieen and father  David Joe.
Read more