The Devil is an Ass: A Comprehensive Analysis of Act 2
Introduction
Ben Jonson's 1616 play, The Devil is an Ass, is a satirical comedy that explores the themes of deception, greed, and folly. Act 2 of the play is a pivotal turning point, where the protagonist, Pug, the Devil, orchestrates a scheme to expose the hypocrisy and corruption of human society.
Summary of Act 2
Scene 1 opens with Pug disguising himself as a human lawyer named Captain Subtle. He encounters Meercraft, a con man and rival devil, who is also posing as a lawyer. The two engage in a verbal battle, each trying to outwit the other.
Scene 2 introduces Sir Paul Eitherside, a wealthy fool who is easily manipulated by Meercraft and Subtle. They convince him to invest in a get-rich-quick scheme involving the Philosopher's Stone.
Scene 3 reveals Fitzdottrel, Eitherside's illegitimate son, who has been disinherited. He overhears the scheme and decides to trick the impostors by posing as the true heir to Eitherside's fortune.
Character Analysis
Pug (Captain Subtle): The Devil disguised as a lawyer. He is cunning, mischievous, and determined to expose the folly of humans.
Meercraft: A con man and rival devil. He is equally clever and manipulative, using his knowledge of human greed to deceive others.
Sir Paul Eitherside: A wealthy fool who is easily duped. He represents the gullible nature of many humans who are willing to believe in anything that promises wealth or status.
Fitzdottrel: Eitherside's illegitimate son. He is clever and resourceful, using his wit to turn the tables on the impostors.
Themes
Deception: The play explores the pervasive nature of deception in human society. Characters like Subtle and Meercraft use their cunning to deceive others for their own gain.
Greed: The pursuit of wealth is a major theme in Act 2. Characters like Eitherside and Fitzdottrel are driven by greed, making them easy targets for the Devil's schemes.
Folly: The play also highlights the folly of human behavior. Characters like Eitherside and Fitzdottrel act in ways that are irrational and self-destructive, revealing the weaknesses of human nature.
Act 2 Impact on the Play
Act 2 is a turning point in the play. It introduces the main conflict between Subtle and Meercraft, sets up the central scheme involving the Philosopher's Stone, and reveals the true nature of various characters. This conflict and its consequences drive the rest of the play's plot.
Table 1: Characters and Their Motives
| Character |
Motive |
| Pug (Captain Subtle) |
To expose human folly and corruption |
| Meercraft |
To deceive and manipulate others for his own personal gain |
| Sir Paul Eitherside |
To increase his wealth and status |
| Fitzdottrel |
To reclaim his inheritance and outsmart the impostors |
Table 2: Themes and Analysis
| Theme |
Analysis |
| Deception |
Characters use cunning and manipulation to deceive others. |
| Greed |
The pursuit of wealth can lead to irrational behavior and self-destruction. |
| Folly |
Human beings often act in irrational and self-destructive ways. |
Table 3: Act 2 Scene Summary
| Scene |
Summary |
| Scene 1 |
Pug and Meercraft engage in a verbal battle. |
| Scene 2 |
Subtle and Meercraft convince Eitherside to invest in the Philosopher's Stone scheme. |
| Scene 3 |
Fitzdottrel discovers the scheme and decides to outwit the impostors. |
Tips and Tricks
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Read the play carefully: Pay attention to the characters' motivations, the plot development, and the themes being explored.
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Analyze the language: Examine the play's use of language, including puns, satire, and symbolism.
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Consider the context: Understand the historical and social context of the play to appreciate its relevance.
How to Step-by-Step Approach
1. Summarize the Act's Plot: Outline the main events and conflicts that occur in Act 2.
2. Identify the Characters: Describe the main characters in Act 2, their motives, and their interactions with each other.
3. Analyze the Themes: Determine the central themes that are explored in Act 2, providing examples from the text.
4. Discuss the Act's Impact: Explain how Act 2 contributes to the play's overall plot and character development.
FAQs
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Who is the main protagonist in Act 2?
- Pug (Captain Subtle)
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What is the main conflict in Act 2?
- The battle between Subtle and Meercraft to deceive Eitherside and gain his wealth.
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How does Fitzdottrel affect the plot in Act 2?
- He discovers the scheme and poses as the true heir to Eitherside's fortune, turning the tables on Subtle and Meercraft.
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What is the significance of the Philosopher's Stone scheme?
- It represents the folly of humans and their belief in get-rich-quick schemes.
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How does Act 2 end?
- Fitzdottrel reveals the impostors' plot, leaving Subtle and Meercraft to face the consequences of their actions.
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What is the overall tone of Act 2?
- Satirical and comedic, mocking human greed and gullibility.
Conclusion
Act 2 of The Devil is an Ass is a pivotal turning point that introduces the main conflict, develops the characters, and explores the themes of deception, greed, and folly. Through its satirical humor and clever plot, the play provides a timeless commentary on human nature and the dangers of succumbing to our own worst impulses.
