57 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
256
Play • Fiction
London, England • 1610s
1610
Adult
18+ years
In The Alchemist by Ben Jonson, three characters—Face, Subtle, and Dol—exploit the fear and greed of various London citizens by promising them the philosopher's stone and other mystical rewards, thus deceiving and stealing from them until the return of the house’s rightful owner, Lovewit, who ultimately disrupts their schemes and claims the stolen goods for himself. Themes of greed, deception, and justice are prevalent.
Humorous
Playful
Mysterious
Gritty
Suspenseful
3,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ben Jonson's The Alchemist is praised for its sharp wit and skillful satire of human greed and folly, showcasing Jonson’s adept use of language and character development. However, some readers find the plot overly complex and the humor dated. Overall, it is a commendable work for fans of classic English comedy, though it may challenge modern readers.
A reader who enjoys The Alchemist by Ben Jonson would likely appreciate satirical comedy, Elizabethan literature, and intricate plots involving deception and greed. Similar in appeal to fans of Shakespeare's comedies and Marlowe’s plays, this work speaks to those who admire witty dialogue and characters embodying the folly of human ambition.
3,926 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Subtle
An older man who claims to possess skills in alchemy and other pseudo-sciences. He works alongside Face, adding credibility to their scams.
Dol Common
A sex worker who collaborates with Face and Subtle in their schemes. She plays important roles in their cons, often using her allure to trick clients.
Dapper
A gullible client of the trio who wishes to cheat at gambling. His naive pursuit of the Queen of Fairy makes him an easy target for deception.
Drugger
A businessman seeking advice on increasing shop sales and interpreting his horoscope. Unlike other clients, he provides the conmen with supplies rather than large sums of money.
Sir Epicure Mammon
A knight with a fixation on wealth and luxury, believing in the alchemical promises offered by the conmen. His desires make him susceptible to their manipulation.
Surly
The skeptical servant of Mammon, who doubts the trio's schemes. Despite his suspicions, his attempts to outsmart them only add to the play's humor.
Ananias
An Anabaptist deacon skeptical of the conmen's magical claims. He is wary of their abilities but eager for potential financial gain.
Tribulation Wholesome
An Anabaptist who shows gullibility as he seeks to convert Subtle. His characterizes religious hypocrisy in seeking to boost follower numbers.
Kastril
A young man known for his argumentative nature, desiring to learn how to win disputes. His easily incited anger plays into the cons of the trio.
Dame Pliant, the Widow
Kastril's wealthy, young sister, whose beauty makes her desirable to the play's male characters. Her lack of agency contrasts with Dol Common's more active participation.
Lovewit
The owner of the house where the play's schemes unfold, and Face's employer. He is amused by the antics and ultimately benefits from them.
256
Play • Fiction
London, England • 1610s
1610
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.