The way of Ben Jonson's dramatic world

This thesis is a study of Ben Jonson's point of view. It attempts to determine that point of view by evaluating two of his critical theories, that of the humours and classical unity of action, and by examining their relationship to a selected number of his plays - The Case Is Altered, The Alchemist. Every Man in His Humour, Every Man Out Of His Humour, and Volpone. Just as his plays are a reflection of the times through his eyes, so too are these two critical theories his reflection of general ideas current in the age. The theory of humours derives from an Elizabethan concept of order in the universe and in man, and unity of action from a classical idea of unity and coherence. No attempt is made to re-examine the 'Elizabethan World Picture' or the classical world view except in so far as they relate to Jonson's particular views. Chapter I, "Historical and Philosophical Perspective”, deals with some of the main influences of Jonson's own time which appear most pertinent to his point of view. Chapter II discusses relevant, literary and critical theories, both Elizabethan and classical. Chapter III explores the imaginative connection made by Jonson between the theory of humours and unity of action; also it attempts to show how this connection enables Jonson to recreate interdependent character and action in spite of a loss to the imagination of a spiritually unified cosmos. The remaining chapters use the humour theory to examine Jonson's characters as illustrative of his point of view and considers unity of action as a guide to his developing technique. Although Jonson achieves finest technical expression in The Alchemist, it is in Volpone that one finds the fullest realization of his point of view, and for this reason Volpone is the play most closely studied.Arts, Faculty ofEnglish, Department ofGraduat