The Alchemist (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9791041804153)

First performed in 1610, The Alchemist is one of Ben Jonson's greatest comedies. Written for the King's Men-the acting company to which Shakespeare belonged-it was first performed in Oxford because the playhouses in London were closed due to the plague. It was an immediate success and has remained a popular staple ever since. The play centers around a con man, his female accomplice, and a roguish butler who uses his master's house to gull a series of victims out of their money and goods. Jonson uses the play to satirize as many people as he can-pompous lords, greedy commoners, and self-righteous Anabaptists alike-as his three con artists proceed to bilk everyone who comes to their door. They don multiple roles and weave elaborate tales to exploit their victims' greed and amass a small fortune. But it all comes to a sudden, raucous end when the master unexpectedly returns to London and all the victims gather to try and reclaim their property.

Author: Ben Jonson
ISBN-10: 1041804156
ISBN-13: 9791041804153
Publisher: Culturea
Language: English
Published: 05/19/2023
Pages: 198
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 8.27h x 5.83w x 0.45d