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Volpone by Ben Jonson
Act I, Scene 1, Lines 30-39: This is at the start of the play when we learn about what kind of man Volpone is. This particular passage, being spoken by him, is referring to his money -- he is speaking of how he enjoys the chase of the money more than the actually having it. The play is centered on how Volpone is faking a fatal illness that has caused some greedy people to become "butt-kissers" in order to become his sole heir. Again, it is more fun for Volpone to play tricks on people. In this particular passage he is referring to how he gets his money -- he doesn't actually work for it, nor does he share it, nor does he keep it in a public bank. Mosca is his servant, whom has joined him in his trickery.
Act 3, Scene 4, Lines 67-76: Here we see the start of the "payback" of sorts from Jonson on his scheming characters. They are describing some medical treatments (saffron, a poultice, etc.) and he says "Before I fayn'd diseases, now I have one." Overall this play is a comedy, and the drastic manner that he reacts to what is such a minor illness shows some comedic relief, but the tone is one of much seriousness -- paybacks in fate for what has happened. The Hermaphrodite is the one now by Volpone's side, and he is wishing that the Hermaphrodite would leave -- hoping he would leave him alone. The Hermaphrodite keeps acting like Volpone's nurse of sorts, which Volpone is suffering greatly by being around him.
Act 5, Scene 3,Lines 80-101: Mosca is speaking about how he is going to be Volpone's heir, and...
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