An Analysis on Volpone’s Character

Abstract

Volpone is one of the representative plays revealing human greed and Volpone has been accepted as a perfect symbol of avarice but in this paper a little different approach to him is suggested. Vopone is a smart, imaginative, creative, and proud aristocrat. However, despite all of these positive qualities, it is true that there has been excessive focus only on his greed. All of the major characters in the play must be regarded as fools filled with uncontrollable desire for money but Volpone must not be treated as one more greedy man. He never aims at money. For him, the wealth means the secondary trophy gained from displaying of his intellect and manipulating the others. In this context, he must not be analyzed as the embodiment of avarice. With too much emphasis on his greed, Volpone might look so simple like a caricature symbolizing avarice but in fact he is a man with remarkable and excellent personal traits. First of all, Jonson gives him high intelligence and insight which make him able to penetrate the frailties of human nature and do not allow him to delude himself. This mental power is an important aspect which should not be overlooked in understanding Volpone. Next, he possesses the great imagination and creativity to build a new world for others and perform various roles for himself. Like an energetic artist, he creates what he wants by using his imagination and creativity. Finally, most of all, he is a man of pride and arrogance. The fact that Volpone is full of pride in himself and believes in his power to control over his world is an essential part of his character. Therefore, his pride forces him to choose the perfect defeat instead of hurting his pride. Money for Volpone is no more important than for anyone else. To understand him objectively, it is necessary to identify positive or powerful traits in him without prejudice.