Volpone: portrayals of Celia and Lady Would-be

Volpone: portrayals of Celia and Lady Would-be

Q. Compare and contrast the portrayals of Celia and Lady Would-be in Volpone

Answer: Volpone, a satirical comedy play by Ben Jonson, presents a vivid cast of characters that embody different aspects of human nature and societal vices. Among these characters, Celia and Lady Would-be stand out as two contrasting female figures who navigate the world of Venetian society. While both characters play important roles in the play, their portrayals differ significantly in terms of their motivations, agency, and relationships within the plot.

Celia, introduced as Volpone's "Voluptuousness," is a young, virtuous, and innocent woman who becomes entangled in the complex web of deception and greed woven by the male characters. She is presented as the embodiment of purity and chastity, with her beauty and innocence serving as a stark contrast to the venality and corruption of the other characters. Celia's portrayal is largely passive, as she is often acted upon rather than taking an active role in the plot. Her primary function in the play is to be a coveted object of desire, sought after by various male characters.

Despite her limited agency, Celia possesses a strong sense of moral integrity. When faced with the advances of Volpone, she steadfastly refuses his advances, remaining faithful to her husband, Corvino. Her unwavering loyalty and resistance to temptation highlight her virtuous nature and serve as a critique of the base desires of the other characters. Celia's portrayal as a virtuous woman reflects the societal expectations of the time, where women were expected to embody purity and fidelity.

On the other hand, Lady Would-be, a wealthy and pretentious woman, is portrayed as a social climber who seeks to elevate her status through marriage. Unlike Celia, Lady Would-be is a more active participant in the plot. She employs various strategies to gain social prominence, including excessive flattery and exaggerated displays of wealth. Her character is a satirical critique of the social pretensions and false appearances prevalent in Venetian society.

Lady Would-be's motivations are driven by vanity and a desire for social recognition. She is portrayed as a shallow and materialistic character, constantly seeking validation from others. Her portrayal exposes the superficiality and hollowness of social ambition, highlighting the absurdity of a society that places excessive importance on wealth and status.

In terms of their relationships within the play, Celia is shown in a troubled marriage with Corvino, a jealous and possessive husband. Corvino's mistreatment of Celia and his attempt to force her into an illicit affair with Volpone further emphasize her victimization and vulnerability. Celia's passive role in her marital relationship reflects the limited agency and power that women had during the time the play was written.

Lady Would-be, on the other hand, is depicted as a woman in control of her own fate. She manipulates the male characters to achieve her social ambitions and is well aware of her own agency. Lady Would-be's portrayal challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a woman who actively uses her wit and cunning to navigate the male-dominated society.

The portrayals of Celia and Lady Would-be in Jonson’s play, “Volpone” thus, highlight the stark contrast between virtue and vice, innocence and ambition. While Celia represents the virtuous and chaste woman, limited by societal expectations and male dominance, Lady Would-be embodies the social climber driven by ambition and vanity. Through these characters, Jonson offers a scathing critique of the venal nature of society and questions the values placed on wealth, status, and gender roles.

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