Discuss ‘’Volpone’’ as a comedy of humor

"Volpone" is a comedy of humours, a type of comedy that was popular in the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras of English literature. A comedy of humours typically portrays characters who are defined by a particular trait or obsession, such as greed, jealousy, or cowardice. These characters often engage in ridiculous behavior and are subject to exaggerated satire and ridicule.

 

In "Volpone," the main character is a wealthy Venetian nobleman named Volpone, who pretends to be gravely ill in order to trick a group of greedy suitors into giving him valuable gifts and money. Volpone is a classic example of a humours character, as he is defined by his insatiable greed and love of deception. He revels in his ability to manipulate and exploit others for his own gain, and his behavior becomes increasingly absurd and outrageous as the play progresses.

 

The other characters in "Volpone" are also humours characters, each defined by a particular trait or obsession. Mosca, Volpone's wily servant, is defined by his cunning and ability to manipulate others. The suitors, including Corvino, Corbaccio, and Voltore, are defined by their greed and willingness to do anything to win Volpone's favor. And the character of Lady Would-Be, a wealthy woman who seeks to ingratiate herself with Volpone, is defined by her ridiculous affectations and desire for social status.

 

The humor in "Volpone" comes from the absurdity of these characters and their behavior. The audience is meant to laugh at their foolishness and their inability to see through Volpone's ruse. The play also contains a great deal of wordplay, puns, and innuendo, which add to its comic effect.

 

However, "Volpone" is more than just a simple comedy of humours. It also contains elements of satire, as it satirizes the corruption and venality of Venetian society. Volpone is not just a humours character; he is a symbol of the corruption and decadence of the society in which he lives. The play also satirizes the courtship rituals of the time, as the suitors engage in absurd and degrading behavior in their attempts to win Volpone's favor.

 

In conclusion, "Volpone" is a classic example of a comedy of humours, with its exaggerated characters and absurd situations. The play's humor comes from the ridiculous behavior of its characters, who are defined by their particular traits and obsessions. However, the play also contains elements of satire, as it satirizes the corruption and decadence of Venetian society. As a result, "Volpone" is not just a simple comedy, but a complex and nuanced work of literature.