Popular plays by Ben Jonson everyone should read

One of the most popular playwright, lyric poet and literary critic of the English Renaissance literature, Ben Jonson was born on June 11, 1572 in London. Jonson 'is generally regarded as the second most important English dramatist, after William Shakespeare, during the reign of James I', according to the Encyclopaedia Britannica. He is known for popularising 'Comedy of Humour' in English literature. His writings followed the classical style and depicted farcical characters, absurdity and contemporary lives of his time. A satiric historian of his era, Jonson showcased the imprudence and humour of his time with keen observation; so much so, that he is considered as one of the eminent writers of the 17th-century.

On his birth anniversary today, here are some popular plays that everyone should read.

Ben Jonson by George Vertue 1730 (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Ben Jonson's first play 'Every Man In His Humor' belongs to the sub-genre of "humour comedy" wherein each character has a fixation or characteristic humour. In 1598, the play was produced by Lord Chamberlain's Men. The plot follows a man named Kno'well, who is concerned about his son's moral development and so he employs his servant Brainworm to spy on his son; but the espionage is subverted by Brainworm. In a sub-plot, Kitely, a merchant, thinks that his wife is having an affair. The play has various humorous characters. As a series of complications develop, Justice Clement hears everyone's grievances, concluding them in humour, fraud or misinterpretation.

(Photo: Books Way)

One of Jonson's greatest plays, 'Sejanus His Fall' is a tragedy about Roman emperor Tiberius' favourite Lucius Aelius Sejanus. Based on Tacitus, 'Sejanus His Fall' is about Sejanus' rise during the rule of Tiberius, his destruction of Germanicus' family, poising Tiberius' son Drusus. In 1603, the Roman tragedy was performed at the court and a year later at Global Theatre where it failed to impress.

(Photo: Vintage Books)

'Volpone' is Ben Jonson's most popular satirical verse comedy. This comic play explores the themes of morality and trickery. The story follows Volpone, a rich, old, childless gentleman in Venice who pretends to be on his deathbed, with the help of Mosca, to con others. As his acquaintances come to know of his ill health, they try to manipulate Volpone through lavish gifts in hope of being named as a beneficiary in his will. The multiple twists in the plot makes it an interesting read.

(Photo: Peacock Books)

Another comedy by Jonson, 'The Silent Woman' is about Morose, a man who loves silence. So much so that Morose doesn't even get married as he fears the noise a wife would make. But things change when his nephew Dauphine plans a scheme to inherit his uncle Morose's wealth. Dauphine plans to get Morose married to a silent woman named Epicoene, and this brings in a major turn of events.

(Photo: Manchester University Press)

'The Alchemist' by Ben Jonson is a comedy play set in London. Due to an outbreak of plague in the city, Lovewit is forced to temporarily flee away leaving behind his butler Jeremy to take care of his house. Taking advantage of the situation, Jeremy uses the house as a headquarters for his fraudulent acts. He calls himself "Captain Face", and takes help from his aides Subtle, a shady alchemist, and a prostitute named Dol Common to dupe others.

(Photo: Methuen Drama)

'Catiline His Conspiracy' is Ben Jonson's second Roman tragedy, after 'Sejanus His Fall'. As the title suggests, the play is a retelling of 1st century B.C. Roman politician and plotter Catiline's story.

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Jonson's satirical comedy 'Bartholomew Fair' is considered to be one of his most experimental plays which is written in five acts. As the title suggests, the story is set at the Bartholomew Fair, a four-day fair for Londoners which happened from the 12th century till the 19th century and attracted people from all classes. The story follows a day in the life of John Littlewit, Win Littlewit, Dame Purecraft, Zeal-of-the-Land Busy, Adam Overdo, Grace Wellborn, Bartholomew Cokes, Humphrey Wasp among others as they visit the fair. The bizarre and unusual characters and the comic-situations make this a funny read.

(Photo: Yale University Press)