Summary Safe at home, Volpone admits having felt terror in the courtroom. “‘Fore God, my left leg ‘gan to have the cramp.” With a bowl of wine, the fox tries to regain his good humor and his old lust for life. “Any device now, of rare, ingenious knavery” would make […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act V: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 5
Summary Mosca’s next witness is Lady Would-be, who testifies that Celia was the courtesan with Sir Politic in the gondola. Typically, she apologizes to the avocatori for her temper at such great length that they have her ejected. Next, Bonario and Celia are directed to present their witnesses. Alas, they […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 4
Summary The three gulls and Mosca stand before the Venetian officers of justice; their case is about to be tried. The avocatori relate the court’s shock at the whole monstrous story. Mosca introduces his advocate, Voltore, who takes the place of the enfeebled Volpone. The court is curious about Mosca’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 3
Summary Lady Would-be declares her injury to Mosca and calls Peregrine profane names. Mosca explains her mistake, and the lady easily changes her approach to Peregrine. After a blithe apology, she exits on Mosca’s arm, leaving Peregrine bewildered. As he leaves the stage, Peregrine promises to take comic revenge upon […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 2
Summary As Sir Politic and Peregrine earnestly inspect Sir Politic’s notes, they walk upstage. At that moment, Lady Would-be enters, complaining of the heat’s effect on her complexion. She has been informed by Mosca that her husband is with a courtesan. Therefore, she concludes that Peregrine is a lady in […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1
Summary The act begins on a Venetian street with the subplot figures of Sir Politic Would-be and Peregrine. Sir Politic is informing and instructing Peregrine on politic behavior. First, Peregrine must never speak the truth. Furthermore, he must profess no religion, learn to handle silver forks at meals, and know […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act IV: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 9
Summary Mosca tells Corbaccio that Bonario, accidentally acquainted with his father’s purpose, entered the house with drawn sword and tried to kill Volpone. He was also looking for his father with the same intent to kill. “This act,” says Corbaccio, “shall disinherit him indeed!” At that moment, Voltore slips onstage, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 9Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 8
Summary Feigning a wretched state, Mosca enters and offers to let Volpone cut his throat. Before the distraught Volpone has time to take the fly seriously, Mosca proposes a double suicide. Their lamentations are interrupted by a knock at the door. Mosca feels the branding iron of the felon burning […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 8Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 7
Summary The newcomer is not Corbaccio but Corvino! Celia stands shrinking by his side. Mosca asks why Corvino has come before receiving his message. The raven thought Mosca might forget him! “Did e’er man haste so for his horns?” says Mosca in an aside to the audience. As Corvino takes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 7Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 6
Summary Mosca enters with Bonario in tow and places him in hiding as a knock is heard at the door. Both young men await the entrance of Corbaccio, Bonario in close hiding and Mosca as the welcoming servant. Analysis Timing is the important comic element in this developing plot complexion. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 6