What's Inside
This volume centers on a high-speed comedy of greed where Subtle, a fake alchemist, and Face, a house-sitting servant, transform a private residence into a spiritual and scientific trap. While the owner, Lovewit, flees the plague, the trio — including the sharp-tongued Dol Common — promises to turn lead into gold and base desires into aristocratic titles. They juggle a procession of marks including Sir Epicure Mammon, who dreams of luxury, and Ananias, a deacon seeking holy profit. The book also includes scholarly context on Jonson’s sharp rivalry with contemporary poets and his meticulous approach to English verse and dramatic structure.
Works & figures
- Subtle
The titular fake alchemist who uses technical jargon to baffle victims. (in “The Alchemist”)
- Face
A servant who disguises himself as a captain to recruit marks. (in “The Alchemist”)
- Dol Common
The trio's partner who manages the scammers' internal disputes. (in “The Alchemist”)
- Sir Epicure Mammon
A knight convinced he will soon possess the philosopher's stone. (in “The Alchemist”)
- Tribulation Wholesome
A pastor from Amsterdam hoping to fund a religious revolution. (in “The Alchemist”)
- Horace
A satirical version of Jonson used in a literary war against Dekker. (in “Poetaster”)
What it's really about
- Greed as Blindness
- Victims ignore obvious fraud for the sake of impossible wealth.
- Jargon as a Weapon
- Technical and religious language is used to confuse and rob others.
Why it's memorable
- Subtle threatening to gum a colleague's silks with 'strong water' during a heated argument.
- Dapper standing blindfolded while being told he is meeting the 'Aunt of Fairy'.
Where to start
Start with the main play to see the scammers' frantic workplace dynamic, then read the Introduction for Jonson's personal feuds.
For your book club
- Whether Face or Subtle is the true architect of the household's temporary criminal empire.
- The effectiveness of using the plague as a logistical opportunity for urban crime.