This book focuses on the influence of classical authors on Ben Jonson’s dramaturgy, with particular emphasis on the Greek and Roman playwrights and satirists. It illuminates the interdependence of the aspects of Jonson’s creative personality by considering how classical performance elements, including the Aristophanic ‘Great Idea,’ chorus, Terentian/Plautine performative strategies, and ‘performative’ elements from literary satire, manifest themselves in the structuring and staging of his plays. This fascinating exploration contributes to the ‘performative turn’ in early modern studies by reframing Jonson’s classicism as essential to his dramaturgy as well as his erudition. The book is also a case study for how the early modern education system’s emphasis on imitative-contaminative practices prepared its students, many of whom became professional playwrights, for writing for a theatre that had a similar emphasis on recycling and recombining performative tropes and structures.

Jonson's Every Man Out of His Humour is a comical satire about envy and aspiration among the ambitious middle classes, who seek happiness in fame and material fortune. This first critical edition of the play conveys early modern obsessions with wealth and self-display through historical contexts. The book offers an intriguing look at the course of urban comedy, and a wealth of information about social relationships and colloquial language at the end of the Elizabethan period.

Gale Researcher Guide for: Satiric Comedy: Ben Jonson's "Faire Correctives" of Moral and Social Ills is selected from Gale's academic platform Gale Researcher. These study guides provide peer-reviewed articles that allow students early success in finding scholarly materials and to gain the confidence and vocabulary needed to pursue deeper research.

Book 1: Step into the world of comedic satire with “Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson.” Ben Jonson's play takes a humorous look at human folly and the quirks of individual personalities, offering a delightful exploration of the comedic potential inherent in the diversity of human behavior. Book 2: Indulge in the clever machinations and deceitful plots of “Volpone; Or, The Fox by Ben Jonson.” Jonson's comedy unfolds with wit and cunning as the sly Volpone feigns illness to trick his greedy acquaintances, providing a humorous commentary on human greed and moral ambiguity. Book 3: Enter the world of alchemical antics and clever schemes in “The Alchemist by Ben Jonson.” Jonson's comedic masterpiece follows the exploits of a trio of con artists who exploit the gullibility of their victims. The play is a satirical exploration of greed, deception, and the pursuit of wealth through dubious means.

Jonson's Every Man Out of His Humour is a comical satire about envy and aspiration among the ambitious middle classes, who seek happiness in fame and material fortune. This first critical edition of the play conveys early modern obsessions with wealth and self-display through historical contexts. The book offers an intriguing look at the course of urban comedy, and a wealth of information about social relationships and colloquial language at the end of the Elizabethan period.

Anne Barton gives a reading of the plays that re-evaluates Ben Jonson as a dramatist.