11.1 Ben Jonson and Satirical Comedy
3 min read•july 29, 2024
, a contemporary of Shakespeare, made his mark with satirical comedies that skewered Jacobean society. His plays used , irony, and exaggeration to expose human vices and follies, often featuring stock characters representing social types or moral failings.
Jonson's work differed from Shakespeare's romantic comedies, focusing on rather than love stories. He drew inspiration from classical Roman literature, adhering to conventions like the unities of time, place, and action while delivering sharp commentary on the court and nobility.
Satirical Comedy in Jonson's Works
Elements of Satirical Comedy
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- Uses wit, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize human vices, follies, abuses, or shortcomings
- Aims to shame or expose the perceived foolishness of individuals or society through laughter and ridicule
- Employs a variety of comedic devices, such as verbal wit, irony, sarcasm, , and humorous misunderstandings or deceptions
- Often has a didactic purpose of exposing and correcting moral failings or societal ills
Jonson's Use of Satirical Comedy
- Features stock characters or caricatures representing various social types or vices
- The foolish braggart soldier in "Every Man in His Humour"
- The gullible victims of the con artists in ""
- Sets many plays, such as "Volpone" and "Bartholomew Fair", in contemporary London society to directly satirize the follies and vices of his time
- Uses satire to expose and critique the corruption, hypocrisy, and human foibles of Jacobean society
- "Volpone" satirizes greed, deception, and the corrupting influence of wealth
- "The Alchemist" mocks the gullibility of those who fall for the promises of quick riches and the charlatans who exploit their naivety
Classical Influences on Jonson
Influence of Roman Literature
- Jonson was well-versed in classical literature, particularly the works of ancient Roman poets and playwrights (Horace, Juvenal, and Plautus)
- Uses stock characters common in the works of Plautus and Terence, such as the braggart soldier or the cunning servant
- Employs an erudite style, dense with literary allusions and learned references, reminiscent of the scholarly approach of classical authors
Adherence to Classical Conventions
- Jonson's plays often adhere to the classical unities of time, place, and action, as prescribed by Aristotle's "Poetics"
- Uses a chorus in some plays, such as "Cynthia's Revels", reflecting the influence of Greek drama
- Structures his comedies to prioritize a didactic purpose, aligning with the classical tradition of using literature to educate and enlighten
Social and Political Commentary in Jonson
Satirizing Jacobean Society
- Jonson's satirical comedies serve as a commentary on the social, moral, and political issues of his time
- Exposes corruption, hypocrisy, and human foibles through the lens of satire
- "Bartholomew Fair" presents a microcosm of London society, satirizing various social types and the vices associated with them (hypocrisy, gluttony, and lust)
Critiquing the Court and Nobility
- Jonson's comedies often critique the court and the nobility, exposing their vanity, affectations, and moral failings
- Plays like "Cynthia's Revels" and "Epicoene" use satire to mock the pretensions and vices of the upper classes
- Highlights the discrepancy between the idealized image of the court and the reality of its corruption and moral decay
Jonson vs Shakespeare: Comedic Styles
Satirical vs Romantic Comedy
- Jonson's satirical approach differs from Shakespeare's more romantic and fantastical comedic style
- Shakespeare's comedies often revolve around themes of love, marriage, and the triumph of good over adversity
- Jonson's comedies focus more on exposing vice and folly through satire and have a more didactic purpose
Characterization and Humor
- Jonson's characters are often exaggerated caricatures or humors, embodying a single dominant trait or vice
- Shakespeare's characters tend to be more psychologically complex and multi-faceted
- Jonson's humor is more cerebral, relying on verbal wit, irony, and satire
- Shakespeare's comedies frequently employ elements of farce, mistaken identities, and slapstick humor
Key Terms to Review (15)
Ben Jonson: Ben Jonson was a prominent English playwright, poet, and actor during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, known for his satirical comedies and as a rival to Shakespeare. He is recognized for his sharp wit, exploration of human folly, and contributions to the development of English theatre. His works often criticized societal norms and the behaviors of individuals, establishing him as a key figure in the evolution of comedy and drama.
Characterization: Characterization refers to the methods and techniques used by writers to create and develop characters in a narrative. It includes the ways in which characters are presented through their actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions with others. This development is crucial for establishing character depth and relatability, influencing audience engagement and emotional response.
Classical Athens: Classical Athens refers to the period from the 5th to the 4th century BCE when Athens became a leading cultural, political, and military power in ancient Greece. This era is characterized by remarkable advancements in art, philosophy, democracy, and, notably, the development of theatre as a significant form of artistic expression.
Commedia dell'arte: Commedia dell'arte is a form of improvised theatre that originated in Italy during the 16th century, characterized by its use of stock characters, physical comedy, and a focus on scenarios rather than scripted dialogue. This style of performance emphasizes spontaneity and creativity, allowing actors to adapt their roles to the audience and environment, influencing later theatrical forms including political satire and satirical comedy.
Epilogue: An epilogue is a concluding section of a literary work, often reflecting on the events that have taken place and providing closure to the narrative. It serves to summarize key themes, offer insights into the characters’ futures, or comment on the overall message of the story. In theatrical contexts, especially in satirical comedy and morality plays, an epilogue can also serve to directly engage the audience, enhancing the experience and reinforcing the play's themes.
Hyperbole: Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims that are not meant to be taken literally. This device is often used for emphasis or to create a strong impression, and it can serve as a comedic element or enhance the satirical nature of a work. By exaggerating traits, actions, or situations, hyperbole can reveal deeper truths and critique societal norms, making it particularly relevant in comedic and theatrical contexts.
Ludi romani: Ludi Romani refers to the ancient Roman festival dedicated to the gods, particularly Jupiter, featuring theatrical performances, athletic competitions, and various public entertainments. This festival played a crucial role in both religious observance and the development of Roman theatre, reflecting the blend of cultural influences from earlier Greek traditions and the unique characteristics of Roman performance practices.
Moral hypocrisy: Moral hypocrisy refers to the phenomenon where individuals or groups publicly profess moral standards and values but fail to adhere to them in their actions. This disconnect between beliefs and behavior often serves to protect one's self-image or social standing while condemning others for similar or lesser transgressions. In the context of satirical comedy, this concept is particularly significant as it highlights the comedic tension between societal norms and individual behaviors.
Neoclassicism: Neoclassicism is an artistic and cultural movement that emerged in the 18th century, characterized by a revival of classical ideals from ancient Greece and Rome, particularly in literature and the arts. This movement emphasized reason, order, and the adherence to established rules and principles, reflecting a desire to connect with the rationality of classical antiquity. Neoclassicism influenced various playwrights and theatrical traditions, marking a shift towards structured forms and themes drawn from classical sources.
Prologue: A prologue is an introductory section of a play that provides background information, sets the stage, and prepares the audience for the ensuing action. It often establishes context and can present themes or characters that will be significant throughout the performance. In various theatrical forms, the prologue serves as a means to engage the audience and clarify the narrative framework.
Renaissance: The Renaissance was a cultural movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe, characterized by a renewed interest in classical antiquity, art, literature, and humanism. This period marked a shift towards individualism and secularism, influencing various aspects of society, including the emergence of professional theatre, the revival of classical drama, and innovative theatrical design.
Social Critique: Social critique refers to the practice of analyzing and evaluating societal norms, values, and behaviors to highlight issues of inequality, injustice, or moral failure. This form of commentary aims to provoke thought and inspire change by exposing flaws in the social fabric, often through humor, satire, or direct confrontation. In various theatrical forms, social critique serves as a means for playwrights to engage audiences in discussions about their world and the need for transformation.
The alchemist: The alchemist refers to a character or theme in literature, particularly within the realm of satire, that embodies the pursuit of transformation and wealth through dubious or deceptive means. This figure often represents human folly and the pitfalls of greed, highlighting the absurdity of seeking material gain through manipulative practices, a key focus in satirical works.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane: Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is one of the most famous and historic theatres in London, known for its role in the development of English theatre. Originally built in 1663, it has undergone multiple renovations and has hosted many significant productions, including works by prominent playwrights like Ben Jonson. Its connection to satirical comedy is particularly important, as it became a venue for Jonson's plays that often critiqued society and human behavior through humor.
Wit: Wit refers to the ability to think quickly and express ideas in an amusing and clever manner, often employing wordplay or sharp humor. In the context of satirical comedy, wit serves as a powerful tool for social critique, allowing playwrights and characters to expose follies and vices through humor. This cleverness often highlights the absurdities of human behavior, making it a vital component in the works of many playwrights who use comedy to challenge societal norms.