The Alchemist Critical Analysis

It is fair to say that ‘plague outbreaks were usually accompanied by timely and highly specific literary responses’, The Alchemist by Ben Jonson fits into this criteria. This play which was written in 1610, allows the reader to understand and grasp the vulnerable side of the characters in this time period as well as the cunning ways in which some characters work - Subtle the alchemist, Dol the prostitute and Jeremy who is left in charge of Lovewit’s home in London being the main examples. The time in which this play was published is of serious significance as it is around the time period of the ‘Great Plague of London’. ‘Our scene is London’ (line 3, The Prologue). This is evident because from the prologue it clearly states the play is set

This can decide a person’s literary output on a play. For instance the audience will have an opinion on a play back in 1910, but they may be deceived in some ways by the interpretation of the body. The deceiving ways of Jeremy, Subtle and Dol can be picked up in different ways from the audience. The way in which these three characters manipulate their customers is frightening at times because it allows them to continue the con operation they have in place. The gullible victims are unaware of the costume changes made by the actors on stage and the fact that Jeremy puts on a disguise to be Captain Face then Lungs later in the play throws them off guard just like the audience. The interpretations of the body can be different from each person witnessing the play. Deceitfulness is a major trait of these three characters. They use their deceiving ways in order to make a profit for themselves while Lovewit is in the countryside avoiding the plague. The interpretation of the mentality of the body is fragile and callous here in this play. They show no sense of compassion for their victims and they are money driven throughout. In the 17th century magic have been a belief of many people and they believed that magic would solve a lot of problems in their lives. (Tudorplace.com.ar). Furthermore from this interpretation it is clear why the victims in the play are gullible in their