THE ALCHEMIST BY BEN JONSON - Assignment 6
Either, (1) “The visitors to the alchemist’s shop are not so much deceived, as self-deceived.” Discuss and illustrate.
Or, (2) Comment on the appropriateness of the ending of the play.
Either, (1) Look again at the quarrel between Subtle and Face up to the point when Dol has managed to patch up their differences at Subtle’s speech:
“Royal Dol!
Spoken like Claridiana, and thyself!”
How does this opening to the play show you the relations of these three characters and help you to understand their relations at the end of the play?
Or, (2) Select 2 or 3 of Mammon’s longer speeches in the play. How do they reveal his character and personality? How would they affect you if you saw them performed?
Either, (1) “The Alchemist sets out to expose Man’s attempts to transform base reality into a golden dream as a great swindle.” Discuss.
Or, (2) How does the fact that most of the action takes place at or near Lovewit’s house contribute to the play’s dramatic effectiveness?
Either, (1) “Throughout The Alchemist there is a disparity between what people are and what they say or think they are.” Discuss and illustrate.
Or, (2) Show how Jonson uses alchemical language and imagery in the play for dramatic purposes.
Or, (3) “There is no grand conclusion of poetic justice in the play.” Do you agree?