Volpone

The Epistle is a prose introduction in which Ben Jonson dedicates the play to Cambridge and Oxford Universities and argues about the original purpose of poetry. He derides poets of his day who do not write to instruct their audiences on virtuous living, but who instead give poetry a bad reputation by writing only the “filth of the time” (79). Jonson criticizes those who devalue true poets and their works out of maliciousness. He defends his plays from false interpretations and accusations of immorality, and he defends his use of satire to explore the vices of society. Jonson concludes by discussing Volpone itself, which he wrote with the intention of virtuous instruction, and he trusts critics will understand his honorable purpose. Jonson hopes plays like Volpone will remedy poetry’s bad reputation.

The Argument is an acrostic poem where the lines spell out “Volpone.” The Argument reveals the basic plot of the play, describing how the rich Volpone and his sidekick Mosca hatch several plots to deceive potential heirs, resulting in catastrophe for all.

The Prologue, delivered by an unnamed speaker, presents Jonson’s desire for the play to both entertain and teach the

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