The Significance of the Subtitle "The Fox" in Jonson’s Volpone
Ben Jonson’s Volpone (1606) is a masterful exploration of greed, deception, and moral corruption, all set within the context of Venetian society. The subtitle of the play, The Fox, holds particular symbolic weight, as it aligns with the central character, Volpone, and reflects the play’s core themes. The term “fox” is rich in connotations—of cunning, trickery, and predatory behavior—making it an apt descriptor for Volpone, who manipulates those around him through elaborate schemes of deception. By analyzing the symbolic implications of “The Fox,” we can better understand the dynamics of the plot and the moral lessons embedded in Jonson’s satire.
1. The Fox as a Symbol of Cunning and Deception
The most immediate and obvious connection between the title and the central character is the association between foxes and cunning, or cleverness in trickery. Volpone, the protagonist of the play, embodies these very qualities. He is a master of deception, using his wealth and feigned illness as tools to manipulate others into giving him gifts, which he then collects for his own amusement. Volpone’s self-fashioning as a sick man on the verge of death—a guise designed to attract the attention and gifts of greedy men—demonstrates his fox-like ability to outwit his prey. He is not a passive recipient of fortune, but a shrewd manipulator, playing on the vanity, avarice, and desperation of his victims.
The term “fox” also carries with it a sense of tricksterism, as foxes are traditionally seen as sly and elusive creatures in both literature and popular folklore. Volpone’s behavior is indeed trickster-like; he is not interested in wealth for its own sake, but for the thrill of outsmarting others and maintaining control over them. Just as a fox uses its wits to outmaneuver hunters, Volpone uses his intelligence and deceptive tactics to trap his would-be benefactors. His manipulation of Mosca, his servant, who assists in the deceptions, further highlights this fox-like cunning—Volpone is always one step ahead, pulling strings from behind the scenes.
2. The Fox as a Symbol of Predation and Greed
In addition to cunning, the term “fox” suggests predation, and this aligns with Volpone’s behavior throughout the play. Just as a fox hunts for its prey, Volpone actively seeks out victims, who, in turn, are all driven by their own greed. Volpone’s rich collection of treasures is not for personal use but serves as a means of satisfying his desire for power and control over others. His prey, primarily the three would-be heirs—Corvino, Corbaccio, and Voltore—are themselves consumed by greed, each one desperate to ingratiate themselves with the seemingly dying Volpone, believing that their gifts will secure them his fortune.
Volpone’s predatory nature is most evident in his manipulation of these three men, whom he keeps under his thumb, using their desires for wealth as a form of control. This dynamic is further emphasized by Volpone’s treatment of Mosca, whom he treats almost like a foxhound, sending him out to pursue his schemes and bringing back the results. Mosca’s role in the play highlights how Volpone is not merely a passive trickster but an active hunter who uses those around him to further his own designs. His actions reveal that, much like a fox, he seeks not only to satisfy his own material desires but to destroy others by exploiting their weaknesses.
3. The Fox and the Themes of Deception and False Appearances
The fox is often associated with deception and disguise, and these elements play a central role in Volpone. The entire plot of the play hinges on the characters’ ability to deceive one another, whether through feigned illness, false professions of love, or staged acts of generosity. Volpone’s own disguise as a sick man is one of the most significant examples of deception, allowing him to prey upon the vanity and greed of the men who flock to his house. In the same way that a fox uses stealth to approach its prey, Volpone uses false appearances to manipulate those around him, never allowing them to see his true intentions.
The fox’s association with illusion and falsehood is also reflected in the broader theme of appearance versus reality that runs throughout the play. Volpone creates an elaborate ruse in which he plays a role to manipulate others—his sickness, his pretended desire to pass on his fortune, and even his staged affection for the women in the play are all carefully crafted illusions. By giving the play the subtitle The Fox, Jonson underscores the idea that appearances can be deceiving and that much of the world Volpone inhabits is built on falsehoods and duplicity.
4. The Fox and Moral Corruption
Jonson’s use of the fox as a symbol also alludes to the moral corruption at the heart of the play. Volpone’s fox-like behavior reflects the moral decay of Venetian society, which is driven by materialism, greed, and a desire for social advancement. The title suggests that Volpone, like a fox, has become a creature of instinct, relying on his wits and cunning to survive in a world where everyone is out for themselves. His actions are not only selfish but also serve to expose the flaws in the social fabric of Venice. Through Volpone’s fox-like behavior, Jonson critiques the moral corruption of a society where people are willing to deceive, cheat, and betray one another for the sake of wealth.
The fox is often depicted as a symbol of moral ambiguity—while it may be admired for its cleverness, it is also despised for its predatory nature. Volpone, as the “fox,” embodies this duality. He is both a figure of admiration for his intelligence and cunning, and a figure of moral disgust for his exploitation of others. By portraying Volpone as a fox, Jonson invites the audience to reflect on the nature of ambition, greed, and the moral compromises individuals make in their pursuit of power and wealth.
5. The Inevitable Downfall: A Fox Caught in a Trap
In the final scenes of Volpone, the trickster’s ability to manipulate and deceive ultimately leads to his downfall. The title “The Fox” foreshadows this tragic turn—just as a fox, despite its cunning, is often caught in traps, Volpone too is ensnared by his own schemes. The play concludes with Volpone and his accomplices facing justice, and the greedy characters who sought to benefit from his fortune are exposed as equally corrupt and dishonest. This moral resolution reinforces the idea that even the most cunning predators will eventually be caught in the traps they set for others.
Conclusion
The subtitle The Fox in Jonson’s Volpone serves as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the central character’s nature and the play’s exploration of greed, deception, and moral corruption. It emphasizes Volpone’s cunning, predatory behavior, and reliance on trickery, while also highlighting the broader themes of appearance versus reality, the moral decay of society, and the inevitable downfall of those who live by deceit. Through the symbolic use of the fox, Jonson offers a biting critique of human nature and the destructive consequences of greed and dishonesty.
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