'The Devil is an Ass' Summary

Ben Jonson's The Devil is an Ass is a satirical comedy that tells the story of Pug, a junior devil who is sent to Earth to possess a wealthy man named Fitzdottrel. Pug's goal is to corrupt Fitzdottrel and lead him to damnation. But Fitzdottrel is a fool, and Pug soon finds himself caught up in a series of ridiculous misadventures.

Along the way, Pug encounters a cast of colorful characters, including the alchemist Meercraft, the projector Manly, and the poet Wittipol. Pug also comes to realize that Earth is not as easy to corrupt as he thought it would be.

In the end, Pug is outwitted by Fitzdottrel and his friends, and he is forced to return to Hell empty-handed.

Essence and spirit of the book

The essence and spirit of The Devil is an Ass is one of satire and social commentary. Jonson uses the story of Pug to expose the folly of human greed, corruption, and gullibility. He also critiques the social and political institutions of his time, such as the law, the church, and the court.

Summary

The play begins with Pug arriving on Earth and taking possession of Fitzdottrel. Pug is immediately impressed by Fitzdottrel's wealth and stupidity. He quickly convinces Fitzdottrel to invest in a series of fraudulent schemes, including a plan to create a new metal called "auriferous copper."

Meercraft, the alchemist, is behind the auriferous copper scheme. He is a con man who is always looking for a way to make a quick buck. He convinces Fitzdottrel to invest in the scheme by promising him that he will become rich overnight.

Manly is another con man who is involved in the auriferous copper scheme. He is a projector, which means that he comes up with new and innovative ideas, but his ideas are usually impractical or impossible to implement. Manly convinces Fitzdottrel to invest in the auriferous copper scheme by promising him that he will become a powerful and influential man.

Wittipol is a poet who is also involved in the auriferous copper scheme. He is a satirical poet who uses his writing to expose the vices and follies of society. Wittipol convinces Fitzdottrel to invest in the scheme by promising him that he will become immortalized in his poetry.

In the end, the auriferous copper scheme fails, and Fitzdottrel is left bankrupt and humiliated. Pug is also forced to return to Hell empty-handed.

Conclusion

The Devil is an Ass is a witty and subversive satire that exposes the folly of human greed, corruption, and gullibility. Jonson's play is still relevant today, and it continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.