Penguin Classics Volpone and Other Plays Book

As absurd as it is insightful, VOLPONE moves at a brisk pace even when nothing in particular is happening. The first time I read it, I had trouble juggling the numerous characters. But eventually each takes a distinct voice: Voltore ("the Vulture) in his purposely ambiguous legalese and Corvino whose every word hangs on anxiety over his wife's unfaithfulness. VOLPONE is really the tale of Mosca, the brilliant parasite who works everyone behind the scenes; in his seemingly minor position, Mosca rises to power by figuring out to how to manipulate the jealousies and ambitions of everyone involved.

VOLPONE is about masks, class, sirs and madams, those who embrace philosophy without knowing what it means, and the way humans morph into animals when money is involved. A wonderful play.