It was apparent from the beginning that greed was the most powerful force in Ben Jonson’s Voplone. It creates a drive in each character to search for money, power, and respect. They seem to be so determined to acquire this, that they will do whatever it takes. Every individual becomes consumed with their own excessive desires, which ultimately leads to the downfall of each character. This defines the major conflict throughout the entire play.
Volpone’s greed is seen first in scene two, where the audience becomes aware of the scheme he has created. Volpone and Mosca, his servant, design a plan to create the illusion that Volpone has become very ill. Volpone has no parents, no wife, or no children to pass his fortunes to. His wealth must be distributed, therefore he seeks out the people of Venice, to bring him riches in attempt to receive portions of his heir. This is seen first when Volpone says, “This draws new clients daily to my house, / Women and men of every age, / That bring me presents, send me plate, coin, jewels, / With hope that when I die—it shall then return / Tenfold upon them.” (1.1.1) He refers to the people bringing him gifts as “clients,” as if they are just being used for his service. His desire for excessive wealth consumes his mind, and all he seems to seek is more. His plot continues to unfold throughout the rest of the play, which results in his self inflicted destruction
On the other hand, the “clients” of Volpone’s are also greatly consumed by their own greed. It is debatably equivalent to the greed Volpone shows: he desires their riches, and they desire his heir. Regardless, these characters end up showing their dark side in their attempt to receive Volpone’s heir. The most dramatic and memorable attempt was by Corvino. Volpone loved Celia, the wife of Corvino, and desired to sleep with her. In order to execute this, Mosca and Volpone told Corvino that doctors believe a women laying with Volpone will further aid his recovery. When Corvino become aware of this, he quickly declared that Celia will be the one to sleep with him. He told his wife he would cut her up and hang her from their house for everyone to see if she did not perform these duties. This was his wife, the women he “loved,” so the fact he would force his wife to sleep with another man, only to have the possibility of receiving his heir, is very troublesome. It proves his greed for personal wealth and fortune has a higher value to him then the love of his wife. It is a dark and evil scene that really portrays the depth that these characters will go to to acquire power and wealth.
Although other characters such as Mosca, Voltore, and Corbaccio are all greatly consumed by avarice, it is apparent to me that Volpone and Corvino are the two who desire wealth the most. There are other themes throughout Volpone that are very apparent and powerful, but I believe greed is the driving force for the destruction of the characters.