Shakespeare Studies: What's New?
Shakespeare Studies Links
Early Mod Research Links
OTHER ENGLISH LIT LINKS
Study Guide:
The Alchemist
PLOT OUTLINE:
1.1 — Face (real name: Jeremy Butler) and Subtle enter arguing viciously. Doll repeatedly attempts to quiet them, warning them that the Puritan neighbors will hear and report them to the house’s absent owner, Lovewit. She finally snatches Face’s sword from him and threatens the two into reconciling. They all agree to continue the con games they have been successfully pursuing for two weeks, and to share the profits in equal thirds.
1.2 — Dapper arrives expecting to purchase a spell that will allow him to win at gambling. Face (in his disguise as “Ulen”) and Subtle inform him that, for a fee, they will introduce him to the Queen of Fairy, whom they’ve determined through magic is his Fairy god-aunt. They tell him to return at 1:00.
1.3 — Abel Drugger enters seeking advice on how to arrange his tobacco-store according to the most favorable planets, and what to put on his store’s sign. Face (now disguised as “Captain Face”) complains after Drugger leaves that he’s doing far more actual work than Subtle in hunting down the gulls.
2.1 — Sir Epicure Mammon arrives expecting to take possession of the Philosopher’s Stone (an object that will transform any metal into gold as well as cure all diseases) that “the Doctor” (Subtle) is making for him. He knows Face as “Ulen” and also calls him his “Lungs” or “Breath.” He brings a skeptical friend, Don Surly, and explains the process of making the Stone to him.
2.2 — After Face assures him the Stone is nearly ready, Mammon fantasizes rhapsodically about what his lifestyle will be like when he has it.
2.3 — Subtle and Face, with lots of alchemical double-talk, inform Mammon that the stone has not yet reached perfection. Surly points out that the language of alchemy is essentially meaningless. Doll is cued to appear briefly and does; Face informs Mammon that she is an insane noblewoman who has come to Subtle to be cured. Surly insists that she’s a whore in the employ of Face and Subtle. Face praises the “noblewoman,” claiming that, when not madly obsessed with Biblical studies, she is a delightful and witty companion. Mammon, ignoring Surly’s warnings, pays Face for an introduction. Face tries to decoy Surly by telling him to meet a representative of “Captain Face” at Temple Bar; Surly agrees because he knows Face by reputation (but not by sight – he believes Face is “Ulen”) as a successful pimp, and hopes to catch him out.
2.4 — Doll, Face and Subtle regroup and agree on the plans to reel in Dapper and Mammon. Face tells them he has a secret plan to gull Surly. Subtle sees that Ananias, a Puritan Deacon representing Tribulation Wholesome and his congregation of Anabaptists, has arrived.
2.5 — Subtle and Face try to impress and/or confuse Ananias with alchemical
jargon, and learn from him
that his congregation is unwilling to invest any more capital in their
Philosopher’s Stone. Subtle threatens to close down the operation and frustrate
the Anabaptists’ plan to redeem, with the help of the stone, the Anabaptists
exiled to Holland; Ananias hurries away, intimidated.
2.6 — Drugger returns and Subtle describes the “hieroglyphic” tobacco-shop sign he is designing for him. Drugger asks to bring in a young widow, Dame Pliant, who wishes her fortune told, along with her wealthy brother, who seeks advice in the art of quarreling. After Drugger leaves, Subtle and Face observe that it might be good idea for one of them to marry the rich widow, but they agree not to tell Doll about the plan.
3.1 — Tribulation arrives with Ananias, who worries that “the Doctor” may be diabolical. Tribulation insists that doesn’t matter; the virtuous uses to which they’ll put the stone will cancel out any evil in its maker.
3.2 — Subtle enters, pretending to be angry at seeing Ananias, and Tribulation mollifies him with more money. Subtle pumps up Tribulation by listing all the people who can be bribed into conversion with the wealth or health provided by the Stone, but pretends to become increasingly angry at Ananias’ pious corrections of his speech. After some snide comments about the proverbial greed and hypocrisy of Puritans, Subtle promises that the Stone will be ready in 15 days. He gets more money from the Puritans.
3.3 — Face returns from his appointment to meet Surly, angry because the man never appeared. He is excited, though, because he has met a Spanish grandee (actually, Surly in disguise) who wants to sleep with Doll. Dapper arrives, and Face sends Doll to put on her Queen of Fairy costume.
3.4 — Drugger and Kastril arrive right behind Dapper. Face assures Kastril that “the Doctor” can make a spell that will predict the outcome of any duel. Kastril is impressed and agrees to bring his sister, Dame Pliant, to consult. He leaves, and Face fetches Dapper again.
3.5 — Subtle enters disguised as “a Priest of Fairy.” He and Face blindfold Dapper and instruct him to empty his pockets, drop his purse, and remove his jewelry. Dol enters disguised as the Queen of Fairy, playing on a guitar. Face and Subtle pinch Dapper, telling him that he’s being punished by the fairies for not removing all metal from his person. Doll exits, but returns to tell Subtle and Face that Mammon has returned. They tell Dapper he must sit quietly for two hours without seeing or speaking to atone for his insult to his Aunt; they gag him with “magic” gingerbread and hide him in the privy.
4.1 — Face brings Mammon in, promising that his Stone is nearly ready and that the madwoman is waiting to meet him. Mammon compliments Doll elaborately and promises her all the gold in the world if she will marry him. Face comes in and urges them into a private room, receiving more money from Mammon.
4.2 — Dame Pliant has arrived with her brother, Kastril, and Face confirms with Subtle that they’ve agreed to draw lots over which of them will marry her. They each secretly plan to cheat the other, though. Face, as “Ulen,” greets Kastril and Pliant, and hurries to change his disguise to that of “Captain Face.” Subtle offers to teach Kastril to quarrel by way of classical logic, and kisses Pliant several times. Face returns to tell Subtle that the Spanish Count has arrived, and Subtle takes Kastril and Pliant within.
4.3 — Face, as attracted to Pliant as Subtle is, begs Subtle to let him marry her. Subtle refuses and threatens to tell Doll if Face complains. The “Count” arrives and is actually Surly in disguise. Face and Subtle insult him, assuming he can’t speak English. The “Count” asks to visit Doll, who is busy with Mammon. Panicked, they consider whether to let the Count have Dame Pliant. Subtle decides he won’t want to marry her after that, and talks Face into buying out his half of the widow’s value, to which Face (who is a pimp, and less particular) readily agrees. Subtle gleefully believes he’s getting revenge on Face, and sends the “Count” in to bathe.
4.4 — Face informs Kastril and Pliant that he’s found a Spanish Count for her to marry. She’s unwilling, but her brother threatens to beat her and Subtle and Face tempt her with the riches and status being a Countess will bring her, and she agrees. The “Count” takes her into the garden, Face along with them, and Subtle returns to Kastril’s quarreling lesson.
4.5 — Doll, disguised as the scholarly noblewoman, is pretending to be in a talking fit, as Mammon tries in vain to calm her. Face (as “Ulen”) comes in, pretending panic, and drags Doll out, leaving Mammon to be confronted by Subtle, who pretends to be angry at Mammon’s lack of chastity. He warns Mammon that the Stone will not work for an impure man. There’s an explosion, and Face comes in to announce that the laboratory has blown up, and the mad noblewoman’s brother has arrived. Mammon, repentant, flees. Face asks Subtle to go send the “Count” away, now that he’s enjoyed Dame Pliant.
4.6 — Surly has revealed himself to Dame Pliant and warns her that Subtle and Face mean to cheat her and her brother. He proposes marriage to her. Subtle enters, insults the “Count,” and tries to pick his pockets, but Surly reveals himself and threatens to have Subtle and Face arrested.
4.7 — Face slips out and brings in Kastril, telling him that Surly has raped his sister. Kastril refuses to listen to Pliant’s objections and continues to threaten Surly. He sends Pliant away. Drugger enters and is pressed by Face to vouch for them and to accuse Surly of failing to pay a tobacco bill. Ananias enters and, believing Surly to be a Spanish papist, joins in scolding him away from the house. Face sends Drugger off to borrow another Spanish costume so that he might take his turn, disguised as the “real” Count, at wooing Dame Pliant. Subtle dispatches Ananias by telling him that he has decided it’s too risky to make gold coins. Face returns and congratulates Subtle on their narrow escape. Subtle, knowing now that Dame Pliant is unmeddled with, wants her back. Face angrily threatens to tell Doll, who enters with the unwelcome news that the house’s owner and Face’s employer, Lovewit, has returned unexpectedly. Face directs Doll and Subtle to quickly pack up their equipment and profits while he stalls Lovewit. They agree to meet the next day in Ratliff to divide the winnings, but Face worries that Subtle will cheat him.
5.1 — Lovewit is learning from his neighbors that the house has been attracting a large number of people, and he wonders what his butler could be up to. The neighbors tell him that there has been no sign of Jeremy for five weeks,
5.2 — Face, shaved and in his own appearance as Jeremy, opens the door and
warns Lovewit (who is phobic about the plague) that, after discovering a cat
with the plague in the kitchen, he had the house closed and fumigated for a
month, and that the neighbors are lying if they say they saw anyone going in or
out. Face sees Surly approaching with Mammon and panics.
5.3 – Surly has told Mammon about Face and Subtle’s con games. They demand entrance to the house of a confused Lovewit, and do not recognize Jeremy Butler as Face. Kastril also arrives and demands to see Face, Subtle, and his sister Pliant. Ananias and Tribulation also arrive and join in pounding on the door. Face offers the explanation that there’s been a mass escape from the insane asylum. Dapper, having finally chewed through his gingerbread gag, begins screaming from the privy. Lovewit, hearing Dapper and Subtle, demands to know what’s going on. Face, realizing he’s caught, offers to help Lovewit marry the rich widow Pliant, in exchange for forgiveness.
5.4 — Meanwhile, Subtle is warning Dapper that he’s ruining his chances of meeting his aunt, the Queen of Fairy. Face enters and reassures Subtle that he has temporarily frightened Lovewit away with news that the house is haunted. Doll comes in dressed as the Queen of Fairy, blesses Dapper , and presents him with a fly for a familiar spirit, instructing him to share his winnings with Face and Subtle. In exchange, he must give his inheritance to her. Face returns with news that Drugger has returned. While he is costuming Drugger as a Spaniard, Subtle and Doll plan to abandon Face and escape together with the profits. They also plan to get most of Pliant’s wealth away from her, so that Face will gain nothing by marrying her. Face re-enters, counts the winnings with Doll and Subtle, and then takes the keys to the trunks away, informing them that he has told all to Lovewit. As an officer knocks at the door, he tells them their only choice is to run for it
5.5 — Lovewit, dressed as a Spaniard and accompanied by a Parson, answers the door as Mammon and the officers knock. He tells Face that he has married Dame Pliant. Mammon, Surly, Kastril, Ananias, and Tribulation all enter demanding to see Face and Subtle (none of them recognize Jeremy as Face). Lovewit pretends ignorance and invites them all to search the house. Mammon claims ownership of the plate and household goods that remain in the cellar, but Lovewit tells Mammon that he can only bring charges against the swindlers by admitting that he allowed himself to be swindled. Mammon and Surly leave, and Ananias and Tribulation also claim the goods in the cellar, but Lovewit threatens to beat them and they flee. He does the same to Drugger. Kastril enters, abusing his sister for her marriage, and Lovewit challenges him to a duel, causing Kastril to back down immediately and offer her a handsome dowry. In a tandem epilogue, Lovewit addresses the audience and asks for indulgence if his endorsement of Face’s game hasn’t been strictly honest. Face similarly asks forgiveness for getting away with his crimes, noting that the audience is the only judge he must answer to.
Study Guide for The Alchemist
The Alchemist is Ben Jonson’s masterpiece of confidence games and urban satire. His protagonists are three swindlers: Subtle, who poses as an Alchemist, the protean Face, and Doll Common, a prostitute/actress.
Jonson is careful to observe the Unities of time and place — the entire action takes place in Lovewit’s house in the Blackfriars district, near both the theatrical and legal neighborhoods of London. In fact, Jonson himself lived in the very neighborhood he depicts. The swindler’s victims represent a cross-section of city types — the greedy knight, Sir Epicure Mammon; the witless young gallant, Dapper; the earnest tradesman, Abel Drugger; and the hypocritical Puritan, Tribulation Wholesome. Secondary characters include the skeptical Surly; the obsequious Puritan, Ananias; the social-climbing Dame Pliant; and her rich brother, Kastril, who longs to become famous for duelling. The humor of the work lies in the elaborate con games constructed by Subtle and Face to play on the venality and hypocrisy of their victims. The action is further complicated, however, by the barely-controlled hostility among the conspirators and by the sudden appearance of Face’s employer, Lovewit, who amuses himself by trying to con the con artists.
Because alchemy touches so intimately
on a number of human desires —for money, for eternal life, for absolute power
over nature and men — it offers a brilliant metaphor for the urban excesses
Jonson wishes to satirize. The “science” of changing base materials into gold
parallels neatly the desire of many of the gulls to improve their social and
financial status. The complex traditions of scholarship and mysticism
associated
with
alchemy offer similarly neat parallels to the religious hypocrisy of Tribulation
and Ananias and the false erudition of Mammon. The mystic “chymical marriage”
sought by hermetic alchemists (by which the Philosopher’s Stone would be
created) dovetails nicely into the sexual schemes that involve Doll and Dame
Pliant. (The Alchemy Web Site — http://www.levity.com/alchemy/index.html
— offers history, information, and a detailed bibliography/source list.)
Alchemy is also a metaphor for the powers of wit and language to transform people and things. In this play, Jonson displays his virtuosic command of cant, or jargon — alchemical, criminal, and religious, among others. He offers detailed descriptions of the processes and technical terms related to alchemy, and his protagonist, Subtle, succeeds in gulling his victims through sheer verbal fireworks. Face’s form of alchemy is the actor’s proteanism — he appears in a number of disguises and is never recognized. Even when the swindlers fight with each other, they can’t resist the temptation to engage in wit-contests; indeed, the play opens with a remarkable string of insults and curses that simultaneously establish Subtle and Face’s greed and their genius for language.
-
All the images on this page are copyright © Adam McLean 1999, and used by permission. These are available for sale as coloured prints from the alchemy web bookstore or as high resolution images on the Alchemical and hermetic emblems CD-Rom.
