The Alchemist, written by Ben Jonson, is a comedic play set in London during the 17th century. It follows the story of Subtle, a con artist posing as an alchemist, who, along with his accomplices, attempts to swindle various characters out of their money by promising them wealth through alchemy. The play explores themes of greed, deception, and the folly of human ambition. With a cast of colorful characters, including the gullible Dapper and the ambitious Mammon, the narrative unfolds through clever dialogue and intricate schemes. This work is essential for students of English literature and fans of classic comedies, showcasing Jonson's sharp wit and social commentary.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of greed and deception through the character of Subtle.
  • Features a diverse cast, including Mammon and Dapper, who seek wealth through alchemy.
  • Set in 17th century London, reflecting the societal norms and ambitions of the time.
  • Utilizes clever dialogue and intricate schemes to drive the comedic narrative.
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The Alchemist
Ben Jonson
Table of Contents
The Alchemist............................................................................................................................................................1
Ben Jonson.....................................................................................................................................................1
To the Lady, most aequall with vertue, and her Blood: The Grace, and Glory of women. MARY
LA:WROTH..................................................................................................................................................1
TO THE READER.........................................................................................................................................1
To my friend, Mr. Ben: Ionson. vpon his Alchemist.....................................................................................2
The Persons of the Comoedie........................................................................................................................2
THE ARGUMENT........................................................................................................................................2
THE PROLOGVE..........................................................................................................................................3
The Alchemist................................................................................................................................................3
Act 1...............................................................................................................................................................3
Scene 1...........................................................................................................................................................3
Scene 2.........................................................................................................................................................23
Scene 3.........................................................................................................................................................43
Scene 4.........................................................................................................................................................55
Act 2.............................................................................................................................................................57
Scene 1.........................................................................................................................................................57
Scene 2.........................................................................................................................................................67
Scene 3.........................................................................................................................................................77
Scene 4.......................................................................................................................................................112
Scene 5.......................................................................................................................................................115
Scene 6.......................................................................................................................................................125
Act 3...........................................................................................................................................................134
Scene 1.......................................................................................................................................................134
Scene 2.......................................................................................................................................................139
Scene 3.......................................................................................................................................................154
Scene 4.......................................................................................................................................................163
Scene 5.......................................................................................................................................................178
Act 4...........................................................................................................................................................187
Scene 1.......................................................................................................................................................187
Scene 2.......................................................................................................................................................204
Scene 3.......................................................................................................................................................213
Scene 4.......................................................................................................................................................224
Scene 5.......................................................................................................................................................235
Scene 6.......................................................................................................................................................249
Scene 7.......................................................................................................................................................253
Act 5...........................................................................................................................................................269
Scene 1.......................................................................................................................................................269
Scene 2.......................................................................................................................................................275
Scene 3.......................................................................................................................................................280
Scene 4.......................................................................................................................................................291
Scene 5.......................................................................................................................................................308
The Alchemist
i
The Alchemist
Ben Jonson
Oxford Text Archive, Oxford University Computing Services, 13 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6NN;
archive@ox.ac.uk
Availability:
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distributed
THE ALCHEMIST.
VVritten by Ben. Ionson.
−−Neque, me vt miretur turba, labore:
Contentus paucis lectoribus.
London, Printed by Thomas Snodham, for Walter Burre, and are to be sold by Iohn Stepneth, at the West−end
of Paules. 1612.
To the Lady, most aequall with vertue, and her Blood: The Grace, and Glory
of women. MARY LA:WROTH.
Madame,
In the Age of Sacrifices, the truth of Religion was not in the greatnes, and fat of the Offrings, but in the deuotion,
and zeale of the Sacrificers: Else, what could a handful of Gummes haue done in the sight of a Hecatombe? Or
how, yet, might a gratefull minde be furnish'd against the iniquitie of Fortune; except, when she fail'd it, it had
power to impart it selfe? A way found out, to ouercome euen those, whom Fortune hath enabled to returne most,
since they, yet leaue themselues more. In this assurance am I planted; and stand with those affections at this Altar,
as shall no more auoide the light and witnesse, then they doe the conscience of your vertue. If what I offer beare
an acceptable odour, & hold the first strength: It is your valew, that remembers, where, when, and to whom it was
kindled. Otherwise, in these times, there comes rarely forth that thing, so full of authoritie, or example, but by
daylinesse and custome, growes lesse and looses. But this, safe in your iudgement (which is a SIDNEYS) is
forbidden to speake more; least it talke, or looke like one of the ambitious Faces of the time: who, the more they
paint, are the lesse themselues.
Your La: true honorer. Ben. Ionson.
TO THE READER
If thou beest more, thou art an Vnderstander, and then I trust thee. If thou art one that tak'st vp, and but a
Pretender, beware at what hands thou receiu'st thy commoditie; for thou wert neuer more fair in the way to be
cos'ned (then in this Age) in Poetry, especially in Playes: wherein, now, the Concupiscence of Iigges, and
Daunces so raigneth, as to runne away from Nature, and be afraid of her, is the onely point of art that tickles the
Spectators. But how out of purpose, and place, doe I name Art? when the Professors are growne so obstinate
contemners of it, and presumers on their owne Naturalls, as they are deriders of all diligence that way, and by
simple mocking at the termes, when they vnderstand not the things, thinke to get of wittily with their Ignorance.
Nay, they are esteem'd the more learned, and sufficient for this, by the Multitude, through their excellent vice of
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FAQs

What are the main themes of The Alchemist?
The Alchemist delves into themes of greed, deception, and the human desire for wealth. It critiques the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve financial success, often leading to their downfall. The play highlights the folly of ambition, showcasing how characters are easily manipulated by their desires. Through the character of Subtle, Jonson illustrates the dangers of blind faith in alchemy and the pursuit of quick riches.
Who are the key characters in The Alchemist?
Key characters include Subtle, the main con artist posing as an alchemist; Face, his accomplice and the housekeeper; and Mammon, a wealthy knight eager to obtain gold. Dapper, a gullible clerk, seeks to win the favor of the spirits for gambling success, while Dol Common, a bawd, adds to the comedic elements. Each character represents different facets of greed and ambition, contributing to the play's exploration of deception.
What is the setting of The Alchemist?
The Alchemist is set in London during the early 17th century, a time marked by social change and economic ambition. The play takes place primarily in a house belonging to Lovewit, who is absent during the events. This setting allows for a comedic exploration of the interactions between various social classes and the lengths to which people will go to achieve wealth, reflecting the societal norms of the time.
How does Jonson use humor in The Alchemist?
Jonson employs humor through witty dialogue, situational irony, and the absurdity of the characters' schemes. The interactions between Subtle and his victims often lead to comedic misunderstandings and exaggerated situations. The play's humor also arises from the characters' blind ambition and gullibility, making their eventual downfalls both tragic and amusing. This blend of humor and social commentary is a hallmark of Jonson's comedic style.
What role does alchemy play in the plot of The Alchemist?
Alchemy serves as the central motif in The Alchemist, symbolizing the pursuit of wealth and the folly of human ambition. Subtle's deception revolves around convincing characters that he can transform base metals into gold, reflecting the era's fascination with alchemy. The play critiques this obsession, illustrating how characters are willing to abandon reason and morality in their quest for riches, ultimately leading to their downfall.

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