Volpone: themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power

Volpone: themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power

Q. The play, Volpone explores the themes of greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. - Discuss

Answer: Ben Johnson’s play, "Volpone" is a well-known comedy drama. The play is set in an environment of Venice, Italy in the Renaissance period. The play shows the themes of greed, deception and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. In this play, the characters are very complicated, and the plot is also very complex. The play criticizes human nature and the moral decay of humanism. Here, most of the characters run after the pursuit of material gain in lieu of morality.

Ben Johnson uses the eponymous title for his play. Here the main character is known as Volpone. He is a wealthy merchant. He pretends a fatal illness to control all other characters around him. Volpone’s actions are driven by an insatiable greed for wealth and power.

By his wealthy influence, he dominates over others. He takes priority over the weaknesses of other characters. His pretention and deceit became a means to an end. He takes advantage of gifts and money from those who hope to inherit his fortune. The play shows the greediness of every individual who pursues material gain.

Besides, characters like Voltore, Corbaccio and Corvino are all driven by their own greed and ambition. They offer gifts and bribes to help him intentionally. They believe that their generosity and loyalty will secure their place as his soul heir. However, their actions reveal their moral decay and the corrupting influence of wealth.

On the other hand, Voltore is a corrupt lawyer. As a lawyer, his immoral activities show how anyone can protect one’s own interests and collect wealth. He helps Volpone with his legal assistance. He hopes to secure his fortune for himself. Therefore, in doing so, he is involved in so many unethical practices. Unconsciously, he shows the sarcastic effects of greed and the erosion of moral values.

Similarly, Corbaccio is an elderly and miserly man. He seeks to disinherit his own son in order to secure Volpone's inheritance. His actions reveal the destructive power of greed. He turns against his own son. He gives priority to his personal gain over familial bonds and moral principles.

Corvino, a scapegoat of greed and power, is a jealous and possessive husband. He goes to extreme lengths to secure Volpone's fortune. He offers his own wife, Celia, to Volpone as a sexual bribe. To him, his wife’s dignity was inferior to monetary wealth. Hence, Corvino’s actions show immoral effects of greed and the disregard for basic human dignity.

Throughout the play, Ben Johnson uses satire and irony to expose the deceit and flaws of the characters and society at large. He uses humor and wit to illuminate the absurdity of their actions. The play, "Volpone", shows the idea of deception as a tool for personal gain.

The main character Volpone and his cunning servant Mosca use a series of mischievous schemes to abuse the greed of others. Both of them create false scenarios and play with the emotions and expectations of others.

The play also shows the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Most of the characters are addicted to their desire for material possession that blinds them to the consequences of their actions. They become morally bankrupt. They even wish to sacrifice their integrity, relationships and ethical principles in their relentless pursuit of wealth.

Thus, Ben Johnson’s play, "Volpone" shows the immoral human scenes. It also shows the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The play also shows moral decay through its plot, complex characters and the sharp use of satire. Therefore, the play can be regarded as a cautionary tale. It reminds us of the dangers of monetary wealth and the consequences of utter greediness. It also tells us the importance of maintaining our moral compass in the face of temptation.

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