When Pigs Fly Ben Jonson

When Pigs Fly: Unpacking Ben Jonson's "The Alchemist" and its Enduring Relevance

Ben Jonson's "The Alchemist," a Jacobean comedy first performed around 1610, remains a vibrant and relevant exploration of human greed, deception, and the intoxicating power of belief. While the play's setting and specific references might seem distant, its satirical core resonates powerfully with contemporary audiences, making it a timeless masterpiece deserving of close examination. This article delves into the complexities of Jonson's play, exploring its themes, characters, and enduring legacy, analyzing how "The Alchemist" continues to captivate and challenge us centuries later. This exploration will uncover the play's enduring relevance in the modern world, considering its masterful use of satire, its commentary on social mobility, and its exploration of human nature's darker side.

A Metaphor for Deception: Understanding the Alchemist's Craft

The play's central figure, Subtle, is not a literal alchemist transforming base metals into gold. Rather, he's a master con artist, utilizing the mystique and allure of alchemy to exploit the gullibility and avarice of those who seek his services. This act of alchemy is itself a metaphor for the wider deception at play within the societal landscape Jonson portrays. The "gold" Subtle promises isn't merely monetary wealth; it represents the fulfillment of desires, the attainment of social status, and the escape from the limitations of one's current reality. This desire fuels the actions of the play's various dupes, highlighting the human propensity to be seduced by promises of easy riches and miraculous transformations. The play subtly critiques the societal structures that create an environment where such schemes can thrive.

A Cast of Characters Driven by Greed and Self-Interest:

Jonson masterfully crafts a gallery of memorable and vividly distinct characters, each driven by their own specific desires and vulnerabilities. Subtle, the cunning alchemist, is aided by his accomplice, Face, a resourceful and opportunistic servant. Together, they orchestrate a series of elaborate cons, preying upon the weaknesses of their victims. These victims represent a cross-section of Jacobean society, each embodying a specific folly or vice.

• Sir Epicure Mammon: This wealthy knight epitomizes avarice and lust for power, driven by a desperate desire for wealth and immortality. His greed blinds him to Subtle's obvious charlatanism. Mammon's character is a scathing satire of the unchecked ambition and materialism that characterized certain segments of Jacobean society. His unwavering belief in the possibility of alchemical transformation mirrors a broader societal tendency to embrace fantastical claims if they offer the promise of personal gain.

• Dol Common: A cunning and manipulative woman, Dol acts as bait, attracting the lustful and avaricious men who fall prey to Subtle's schemes. She embodies the seductive power of appearances and the ease with which individuals can be manipulated through their desires. Dol is a reminder of the dangers of unchecked lust and the vulnerability inherent in pursuing fleeting pleasures.

• Ananias and Tribulation: These two Puritan figures represent religious hypocrisy and the misuse of faith for personal gain. Their desire for material wealth clashes sharply with their professed piety, exposing the inherent contradictions within religious fervor. Their presence highlights Jonson's critique of religious hypocrisy, a pervasive theme throughout his works.

• Lovewit: The absent landlord of the house where the alchemy takes place, Lovewit represents a contrasting figure of reason and understanding. His eventual return and exposure of Subtle's scheme offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting the possibility of reclaiming order and justice from chaos. Lovewit’s character is a foil to the other characters, emphasizing the importance of pragmatism and clarity of mind in navigating a world filled with deceit.

Social Commentary and the Critique of Jacobean Society:

"The Alchemist" isn't merely a comedic farce; it's a sharp social commentary on the societal ills and hypocrisies of Jacobean England. Jonson skewers various aspects of society:

• Social Mobility and the Pursuit of Wealth: The play highlights the desperation of individuals striving for upward mobility, often resorting to questionable means to achieve their goals. The characters' relentless pursuit of wealth reveals the corrupting influence of ambition and the lengths to which people will go to escape their social circumstances.

• Religious Hypocrisy: The portrayal of Ananias and Tribulation exposes the hypocrisy prevalent in religious circles, where piety is often used as a mask for greed and self-interest. This satirical portrayal is a stark reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking.

• The Power of Deception: The central theme of deception underscores the ease with which individuals can be manipulated through flattery, promises, and the exploitation of their desires. This reflects a broader societal concern about trust and the potential for manipulation in a world rife with uncertainty.

• The Role of Belief and Superstition: The play highlights the power of belief, both positive and negative. While the characters' belief in alchemy ultimately leads to their downfall, their faith in Subtle's abilities demonstrates the human tendency to embrace convenient beliefs, even in the face of evidence to the contrary. Jonson challenges the audience to question their own beliefs and to critically examine the information they receive.

Enduring Relevance in the Modern World:

Despite being written centuries ago, "The Alchemist" continues to resonate with contemporary audiences. Its themes of greed, deception, and the human tendency to be swayed by promises of easy riches remain strikingly relevant. The play's enduring appeal lies in its insightful portrayal of human nature, which transcends specific historical contexts.

The modern world, with its numerous scams and get-rich-quick schemes, provides ample evidence of the enduring relevance of Jonson's satire. From pyramid schemes to cryptocurrency scams, individuals continue to be seduced by promises of effortless wealth, mirroring the gullibility of Sir Epicure Mammon and the other victims in the play. Moreover, the play's exploration of religious and political hypocrisy remains pertinent in an era characterized by increasing polarization and mistrust in institutions.

Jonson's Masterful Use of Language and Dramatic Techniques:

Jonson's mastery as a playwright is evident in his skillful use of language and dramatic techniques. His witty dialogue is sharp and engaging, filled with puns, wordplay, and satirical barbs. The play's structure, with its cleverly constructed plot twists and unexpected turns, keeps the audience captivated. The use of different registers of language, ranging from the sophisticated prose of Sir Epicure Mammon to the colloquial speech of Face, adds to the play's richness and complexity.

The play's use of dramatic irony enhances its comedic effect. The audience is privy to Subtle and Face's schemes, while the victims remain blissfully unaware of their manipulation. This creates a sense of suspense and amusement, as the audience watches the unfolding of the con. The play's ending, with the unexpected return of Lovewit, provides a satisfying resolution, highlighting the ultimate triumph of reason and justice over deception.

Conclusion: A Timeless Masterpiece of Satire and Social Commentary:

Ben Jonson's "The Alchemist" is a masterpiece of Jacobean comedy, a play that continues to captivate and challenge audiences centuries after its first performance. Its enduring relevance lies in its sharp social commentary, its insightful portrayal of human nature, and its masterful use of language and dramatic techniques. The play serves as a timeless warning against greed, deception, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. By exposing the follies of its characters, Jonson compels us to examine our own vulnerabilities and to critically assess the promises and claims that surround us. "The Alchemist" is not just a play about alchemy; it's a play about human nature, and its timeless message continues to resonate profoundly in the modern world. The play's exploration of the human condition, its witty dialogue, and its clever plot continue to make it a compelling and relevant work of literature, demonstrating its enduring place in the canon of English drama. The enduring power of "The Alchemist" lies not just in its clever plot and memorable characters, but in its ability to expose timeless truths about human nature and the enduring allure of deception. It remains a potent reminder of the importance of critical thinking, ethical behavior, and the need for a healthy skepticism in a world often characterized by manipulation and greed.