Summary Mosca has the stage placed beneath the windows of Corvino’s house in St. Mark’s Square. Peregrine describes mountebanks as “quacksalvers, fellows that live by vending oils and drugs.” Sir Pol protests that such mountebanks are “great general scholars” and “excellent physicians.” Sir Politic asks the disguised Mosca for the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1
Summary Jonson begins the second act by introducing his audience to a couple of English tourists sightseeing in St. Mark’s Square. Sir Politic Would-be is in Venice at his wife’s insistence; it is the height of the social season. Peregrine is confused by Sir Pol’s strange conversation: “This fellow, does […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 5
Summary Mosca tells Corvino that Volpone does not even recognize old friends in his present condition. On cue, the delirious Volpone weakly drawls “Signor Corvino.” Mosca announces that his master’s hearing is gone, but he can feel the gem Corvino has brought. Corvino feigns sorrow over Volpone’s condition, but Mosca […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 4
Summary Though Corbaccio is older and more impotent than Volpone could ever pretend to be, he hopes to hop over Volpone’s grave. The carrion crow has purchased a drug for Volpone, which Mosca wisely refuses on his master’s behalf. Mosca mocks the medical profession, saying that when a doctor kills […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 3
Summary Mosca tells Voltore that Volpone holds the vulture first in his love. The present is offered Volpone; the value of the gift evokes Volpone’s suggestion that Voltore come more often. Voltore feigns sadness at the pitiful sight of Volpone. Mosca shares the private asides of both Volpone and Voltore […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2
Summary The scene begins with the interlude performed by the deformed fools of Volpone’s household. At its conclusion, the first dupe arrives outside Volpone’s residence. Voltore (the vulture) is an advocate by profession and a gull by avocation. Volpone hurries to change into his costume of a decaying carcass. He […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1
Summary Volpone, a gentleman of Venice, is discovered at home rhapsodizing about his wealth, that “sacred treasure in this blessed room.” His servant Mosca impishly sings the harmony to his master’s praise of gold. Volpone treasures the manner in which the gold comes to him. Heirless Volpone attracts the greedy […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1Character List
Volpone A rich Venetian nobleman who compounds his wealth by feigning fatal illness while promising several greedy friends he will make them his heir. Mosca A parasite, Mosca is a fellow of no birth, without hope of worldly advancement beyond sharing the ill-gotten gains of his master. He is Volpone’s […]
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Volpone, a Venetian nobleman, has no relative to make his heir; he must name someone his beneficiary. Several rivals try to attain his favor by bringing the sick Volpone gifts that they hope will be returned tenfold. Mosca, a clever parasite to Volpone, encourages the three major gulls to give […]
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