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Jonson - The Alchemist - Introduction by F H Mares

The document provides an introduction and analysis of Ben Jonson's play "The Alchemist". It discusses how the play satirizes puritanism and alchemy through the characters. It also analyzes how the play uses alchemy to ridicule human greed and credulity, and how the theories of alchemy presented are based on the science of the time. The play brings together various plot strands into a single cohesive action, using the gathering to provide theatrical comedy. It concludes that while the play lacks virtuous characters, it obliges the audience to recognize their own potential for vice and folly.

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73 views1 page

Jonson - The Alchemist - Introduction by F H Mares

The document provides an introduction and analysis of Ben Jonson's play "The Alchemist". It discusses how the play satirizes puritanism and alchemy through the characters. It also analyzes how the play uses alchemy to ridicule human greed and credulity, and how the theories of alchemy presented are based on the science of the time. The play brings together various plot strands into a single cohesive action, using the gathering to provide theatrical comedy. It concludes that while the play lacks virtuous characters, it obliges the audience to recognize their own potential for vice and folly.

Uploaded by

chrisgreen4905
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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F. H. Mares. Introduction to Ben Jonson. Alchemist.

Methuen and Co Ltd (London,


1967) pp. xvii to lxxix
Jonson against Marston and Dekker stage war

Opportunities for satirizing two social pests of the age: puritanism and the profession
of alchemy alchemy used as the means he uses to ridicule human greed and
credulity.
The theory of alchemy authoritative Surly (II.iii) doesnt refute Subtles exposition
of the principles, he shifts to attack the obscurity and ambiguity of the terms.
Subtle binds his customers with science but in the terms of his age some of it, at
least, is good science. Xxxiii

Play
the alchemist four years before Bartholomew Fair no the sombre tome of Volpone
but the play does not end with the general reconciliation that concludes Bartholomew
Fair no virtuous characters in the Alchemist, animated by base motives. Mammon
exceeds Drugger in his scope of imagination because of his learning and fantasy is
the more fully deceived. The squalor of human greed is less emphasized in this play
than its absurdity.
The number of separate strands to the action. Xlii
Not only are the various minor plots gathered into a single action, but the gathering
itself is used to provide a great deal of the theatrical comedy.
The play opens with an explosion; by means of this quarrel both the pretensions and
the true natures of these three are made clear.
Does the Alchemist lacks moral point? They all endure the most comic of all
punishments: they remain themselves. Obliges us to recognize how strong is our
own potentiality for vice and folly.

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