Decoding the Characters in Volpone: A Close Look at their Names

Decoding the Characters in Volpone: A Close Look at their Names

Ben Jonson’s play Volpone is a masterpiece of satire and wit, exploring the greed and corruption of the society of his time. One aspect that often goes unnoticed in the play is the significance of the characters’ names. Each name has a deeper meaning, reflecting the personality and actions of the character. Decoding the characters’ names is an intriguing way to delve deeper into the play, and understand Jonson’s commentary on the society of his time. From the eponymous character Volpone, whose name translates to “fox” in Italian, to his loyal servant Mosca, whose name means “fly” in Italian, every character’s name is a clue to their nature and motives. In this article, we will take a closer look at the names of the characters in Volpone, and explore how they reveal the themes and messages of the play. Whether you are a literature enthusiast or just curious about the hidden meanings in literary works, join us on this fascinating journey of decoding the characters in Volpone.

Significance of names in literature

Names have played an important role in literature since ancient times. In Greek mythology, for example, the names of the gods and goddesses were often linked to their attributes and functions. Zeus, the king of the gods, had a name that meant “sky” or “bright”. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, had a name that meant “mind” or “intellect”. In Shakespeare’s plays, names were often used to reflect the personality or profession of the characters. For example, the name “Othello” means “wealth” or “fortune”, which reflects the character’s status as a successful general.

In Volpone, the names of the characters are not only descriptive but also ironic. Each name has a deeper meaning, reflecting the character’s true nature and motives. For example, the eponymous character Volpone, whose name means “fox” in Italian, is a cunning and sly trickster who uses his wits to manipulate those around him. His loyal servant Mosca, whose name means “fly” in Italian, is a buzzing and annoying presence who flits around Volpone, doing his bidding. The names of the other characters are equally revealing, and we will explore them in the following sections.

Analysis of the name “Volpone”

The name “Volpone” is derived from the Italian word “volpe”, which means “fox”. The fox is a traditional symbol of cunning and slyness, and it is no accident that Jonson chose this name for his main character. Volpone is a master of deception, using his wits and charm to manipulate those around him. He pretends to be dying in order to trick his wealthy acquaintances into giving him gifts, and he uses his disguise as a mountebank to fool the court. The name “Volpone” is a perfect reflection of his true nature and motives.

But the name “Volpone” has another layer of meaning as well. In Italian, “volpone” is also a slang term for a “prostitute’s client”. This adds another dimension to the character, suggesting that Volpone is not only a trickster but also a sexual predator who preys on the vulnerable. The name is a warning to the audience that Volpone is not to be trusted, and that his actions will have dire consequences.

Analysis of the name “Mosca”

The name “Mosca” is derived from the Italian word for “fly”. Like a fly, Mosca is a buzzing and annoying presence who flits around Volpone, doing his bidding. He is a loyal servant, but his loyalty is motivated by greed rather than affection. Mosca is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his position in Volpone’s household, including betraying his master’s trust. The name “Mosca” is a reflection of his true nature as a pest, a nuisance, and a parasite.

But the name “Mosca” also has a more positive connotation. In Italian, “mosca” is also a slang term for a “clever person”. This suggests that Mosca is not just a mindless drone, but a cunning and intelligent individual who uses his wit to serve his own interests. He is a worthy adversary to Volpone, and his clever schemes are a key element of the play’s plot.

Analysis of the name “Corbaccio”

The name “Corbaccio” is derived from the Italian word “corvo”, which means “crow”. The crow is a traditional symbol of death and misfortune, and it is no accident that Jonson chose this name for the character. Corbaccio is an old and wealthy man who is desperate to inherit Volpone’s riches. He is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his position as Volpone’s heir, including disowning his own son. The name “Corbaccio” is a reflection of his true nature as a vulture, a scavenger, and a harbinger of death.

But the name “Corbaccio” also has another layer of meaning. In Italian, “corbaccio” is a slang term for a “cuckold”. This suggests that Corbaccio is not just a greedy and ruthless man, but also a cuckold who has been betrayed by his wife. The name is a warning to the audience that Corbaccio is not to be trusted, and that his actions will have dire consequences for himself and those around him.

Analysis of the name “Corvino”

The name “Corvino” is derived from the Italian word “corvo”, which means “crow”. Like Corbaccio, Corvino is a greedy and ruthless man who is desperate to inherit Volpone’s riches. He is willing to do whatever it takes to secure his position as Volpone’s heir, including pimping out his own wife. The name “Corvino” is a reflection of his true nature as a vulture, a scavenger, and a predator.

But the name “Corvino” also has another layer of meaning. In Italian, “corvino” is a slang term for a “young crow”. This suggests that Corvino is not just a ruthless and greedy man, but also a naive and inexperienced one. He is easily manipulated by Volpone and Mosca, and his actions have disastrous consequences for himself and those around him. The name is a warning to the audience that Corvino is not to be trusted, and that his actions will have dire consequences.

Analysis of the name “Bonario”

The name “Bonario” is derived from the Italian word “buono”, which means “good”. Bonario is the only character in the play whose name has a positive connotation. He is the son of Corbaccio, and unlike his father, he is a moral and upright individual. He is willing to speak out against the injustices of the society around him, even if it means risking his own life. The name “Bonario” is a reflection of his true nature as a good and virtuous person.

But the name “Bonario” also has another layer of meaning. In Italian, “bonario” is a slang term for a “simpleton”. This suggests that Bonario is not just a good and virtuous person, but also a naive and innocent one. He is easily manipulated by those around him, and his actions have unintended consequences. The name is a warning to the audience that even the best intentions can have disastrous consequences in a corrupt society.

Analysis of the name “Celia”

The name “Celia” is derived from the Latin word “caelum”, which means “heaven”. Celia is a beautiful and virtuous woman who is pursued by both Corvino and Bonario. She is a symbol of purity and innocence in a corrupt society, and her name reflects her angelic nature. But like all the other characters in the play, her name has a deeper meaning as well.

In Italian, “celia” is a slang term for a “joke” or a “trick”. This suggests that Celia is not just a symbol of purity and innocence, but also a victim of the society’s corruption. She is tricked and deceived by those around her, and her actions have dire consequences. The name is a warning to the audience that even the purest and most innocent among us can be corrupted by the greed and corruption of the society around us.

The role of names in character development

The names of the characters in Volpone are not just labels; they are a key element of the play’s plot and themes. Each name reveals something about the character’s true nature and motives, and adds a layer of irony and satire to the play. The names are a reflection of the society in which the characters live, a society that is corrupt, greedy, and morally bankrupt.

But the names also play a role in the character development of the play. As the characters’ actions and motives are revealed, their names take on new meanings and significance. The audience is forced to re-evaluate their initial impressions of the characters, and to question their own assumptions and biases. The names are a reminder that we should never judge a book by its cover, and that every person has the potential for both good and evil.

Conclusion

Decoding the characters’ names in Volpone is a fascinating way to delve deeper into the play’s themes and messages. Each name reveals something about the character’s true nature and motives, and adds a layer of irony and satire to the play. The names are a reflection of the society in which the characters live, a society that is corrupt, greedy, and morally bankrupt. But the names also play a role in the character development of the play, forcing the audience to re-evaluate their initial impressions of the characters. In the end, the names are a reminder that we should never judge a book by its cover, and that every person has the potential for both good and evil.

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