The Alchemist

The premise of The Alchemist is that people are easily deceived by the promise of wealth or the fulfillment of a fantasy. The business model that Face, Subtle, and Dol have constructed revolves around offering magical solution to the desires of their customers, most notably through the philosopher’s stone, which can grant immortality and turn all metals to gold. Jonson warns the audience that none of the materials or practices offered by Subtle is real; the trio’s foolish customers are relatable because they embody vulnerabilities that all people possess. All of us have unrealistic desires, and all of us could be deceived by the right prize. For example, for Mammon, the philosopher’s stone is an irresistible fantasy, while, for Dapper, the promise of good gambling luck is too good to doubt.

Not only do the play’s characters have unreasonable desire, but they also refuse to expend energy to get what they want. Demanding instead fantastical solutions, they leave themselves open to deception. For example, as Surly tries to convince Mammon that alchemy is not a valid practice, Mammon dismisses Surly as an unbeliever: “[H]e had no faith” (275).