In Ben Jonson's play "Volpone," the subtitle "The Fox" is applied to the main character, Volpone himself. This appellation is not arbitrary; rather, it holds significant symbolic implications that enrich our understanding of Volpone's character and his role within the context of the play. To fully analyze the term 'Fox' as it pertains to Volpone, we must delve into its various connotations and consider how they align with his actions, motivations, and relationships throughout the play.
First and foremost, the term 'Fox' evokes images of cunning, deceit, and slyness. In both literature and folklore, foxes are often portrayed as clever and crafty animals known for their ability to outwit their prey and evade capture. Similarly, Volpone is depicted as a master manipulator who employs elaborate schemes and deceptions to achieve his selfish ends. From the outset of the play, Volpone's actions are driven by his insatiable greed and desire for wealth and power. He feigns illness and pretends to be on the brink of death in order to dupe his wealthy acquaintances into showering him with gifts and favors, all the while plotting to swindle them out of their fortunes.
Moreover, like a fox, Volpone is a consummate actor who assumes different roles and personas to achieve his objectives. He adopts various disguises throughout the play, including that of a mountebank, a lawyer, and a nobleman, using each guise to manipulate and exploit those around him. His ability to masquerade as different characters reflects his skillful manipulation of social conventions and expectations, as well as his willingness to adapt to any situation in order to achieve his aims.
Furthermore, the fox is often associated with duplicity and treachery, traits that are exemplified in Volpone's character. He repeatedly betrays the trust of those who believe him to be a friend or benefactor, using their goodwill and generosity to further his own selfish agenda. For example, he deceives Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino into believing that they are his heirs, leading them to vie for his favor and compete with each other to secure their inheritance. In reality, however, Volpone has no intention of leaving his wealth to anyone but himself, and he ultimately betrays all of his would-be heirs in pursuit of his own gain.
The fox is also a solitary creature, known for its independence and self-reliance. Similarly, Volpone is a loner who trusts no one but himself and relies solely on his own cunning and wit to navigate the world. He is devoid of genuine human connections and sees others only as pawns to be manipulated for his own benefit. Even his relationship with Mosca, his loyal servant and co-conspirator, is based on mutual self-interest rather than genuine affection or loyalty. In this sense, Volpone embodies the archetype of the isolated and self-serving individual who prioritizes personal gain above all else.
Additionally, the fox is often associated with the concept of predation, as it preys upon smaller animals for sustenance. Similarly, Volpone preys upon the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of others, exploiting their greed, vanity, and gullibility for his own gain. He revels in the power that comes from manipulating and controlling those around him, taking pleasure in his ability to deceive and outsmart his adversaries. However, like the fox, Volpone's predatory instincts ultimately lead to his downfall, as his insatiable greed and reckless ambition attract the attention of the law and result in his eventual exposure and punishment.
In conclusion, the subtitle "The Fox" in Ben Jonson's play "Volpone" is a fitting descriptor for the character of Volpone, encapsulating his cunning, deceitfulness, and predatory nature. Like a fox, Volpone is a master manipulator who uses his intelligence and guile to achieve his selfish ends, exploiting the weaknesses of others for his own gain. However, his reliance on deception and treachery ultimately leads to his downfall, as he becomes ensnared in his own web of lies and deceit. Through the character of Volpone, Jonson offers a scathing critique of greed, ambition, and moral corruption, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked self-interest and the consequences of betraying the trust of others.
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