Examine the relationship between Volpone and Mosca in Acts I and II of the Ben Jonson play "Volpone"; to what extent is Volpone presented as the dominant partner?

Examine the relationship between Volpone and Mosca in Acts I and II; to what extent is Volpone presented as the dominant partner? During The Argument at the beginning of the play the audience is told that, although the play's title is 'Volpone', the play is mostly centred on 'his parasite', Mosca, and the cross-plots he 'weaves' as he 'assures' and 'deludes' the other characters. Despite this, Volpone is not entirely submissive. There are several occasions where he is the stronger, commanding character, and throughout the play there are some elements of permanent authority, which cannot be overlooked. As stated in 'The Persons of the Comedy', Volpone is a 'Magnifico', an entrepreneur who would be socially higher than his parasite, Mosca, and therefore better educated than him. This good education is seen in Act II Scene ii as Volpone speaks as the mountebank, Scoto of Mantua. Although it is unknown who contrived the plot, although it is assumed to be Mosca as he suggests the disguise, Volpone uses scientific language, such as 'mal caduco' and 'hernia ventosa', to convince the crowd to buy his oil, even calling in 'Oglio del Scoto'. Even if Mosca had created the idea, he would have been unable to use such language to make the crowd believe Volpone was Scoto, and therefore he is reliant on Volpone's knowledge to help carry out his plans. This social dominance on Volpone's

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  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
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