The Devil is an Ass

Name: The Devil is an Ass
Author: Ben Jonson

By Ben Jonson

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British Literature Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A satirical city comedy in which a minor demonic intruder becomes embroiled in human schemes, enabling a comic exposure of ambition, gullibility, and social vice. Through episodes of disguise, deception, and public spectacle the play skewers fashionable pretensions, municipal corruption, commercial monopoly practices, and legal abuses while engaging contemporary anxieties about witchcraft and the supernatural. A sequence of pointed scenes and lively character types combines farce with moral observation, offering a broadly critical portrait of urban manners and the follies of those who manipulate or fall victim to them.

About the Author

Ben Jonson

Ben Jonson (1572-1637) was an influential English playwright and poet, renowned for his sharp wit and keen observations of human nature. A contemporary of William Shakespeare, Jonson's works often explore themes of social satire and moral complexity. He is best known for his comedies, including "Volpone" and "The Alchemist," which showcase his mastery of language and character development. Jonson also contributed significantly to the genre of the comedy of humours, emphasizing the interplay of personality traits in his characters. His literary legacy includes not only plays but also poetry and critical essays, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the development of English drama.