Volpone; Or, The Fox

Ben Jonson (1572–1637) was an eminent English playwright, poet, and literary critic with a significant influence on English literature during the early 17th century. Born in Westminster, Jonson's formal education at Westminster School was supplemented by a rich apprenticeship in the theatres of London where he became a peer of William Shakespeare. His renowned literary contributions include a variety of masques, poems, and comedies which display his wit and lyrical prowess. 'Volpone; Or, The Fox' (1606), one of Jonson's most celebrated plays, is a masterful satire that delves into themes of greed, ambition, and cunning. It showcases Jonson's adept control over language and character, characteristics that have prompted critics to class him among the era's leading dramatists (Donaldson, 1985). Notably, Jonson's works are marked by a classical rigor, influenced by his profound admiration for the ancient Roman playwrights such as Horace and Seneca. His literary style often merged this classical sensibility with a keen observation of Jacobean society, which has earned him scholarly praise for both his moralistic depth and his entertainment value (Riggs, 1989). Jonson's enduring impact on the canon of English literature culminated in his status as England's first Poet Laureate, and the legacy of his works continues to be studied and appreciated for their artful critique of human folly.