Ben Jonson's Every Man in His Humour, first performed in 1598, is a cornerstone of Elizabethan comedy. This witty and satirical play offers a vibrant snapshot of London life, exploring the "humours" – the dominant personality traits – that dictate its inhabitants' actions. Through interwoven plots, Jonson presents a diverse cast of characters, from the easily deceived to the outrageously boastful, each driven by their individual eccentricities. With sharp observation and insightful critique, Jonson exposes the vanity and hypocrisy of society, creating a timeless comedic masterpiece that solidified his reputation as a leading playwright. The play’s enduring appeal lies in its clever portrayal of human folly, still relatable centuries later.
Review Every Man In His Humour
I had a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit occasionally challenging, experience reading Ben Jonson's Every Man in His Humour. This particular edition, a parallel text comparing the 1601 quarto and the 1616 folio, was a fascinating artifact in itself. Holding the book, seeing the two versions side-by-side, felt like holding a piece of theatrical history. The sheer act of comparing the two versions, one with a Florentine setting and the other London-based, was a unique and rewarding experience, even if my initial attempt at reading them simultaneously proved rather confusing! I quickly realized that a more linear approach – reading one version completely before tackling the other – was far more effective.
The play itself took some time to fully grasp. Unlike some of Jonson's more readily accessible works, Every Man in His Humour requires a bit more patience. I found myself really getting into the witty banter and intricate plotting only around Act 2. The character of Musco (or Brainworm, depending on the version) proved to be a pivotal turning point for me. His farcical disguises and schemes, designed to manipulate and control the other characters, injected a significant amount of delightful chaos and truly highlighted Jonson's satirical genius.
The interwoven plots, revolving around the young gentlemen, their concerned fathers, the ever-scheming servant, and the hilariously jealous Thorello (Kitely), were brilliantly executed. Jonson's masterful use of comedic timing and the subtle interplay between characters kept me engaged and constantly amused. I appreciated the four distinct yet interconnected narrative threads; the way they all converged and interacted created a surprisingly complex and dynamic whole. The commentary on Elizabethan society, particularly the critique of vanity and hypocrisy, felt surprisingly relevant even today. The characters, though exaggerated and clearly representing different "humours," felt remarkably real in their flaws and foibles.
However, I do agree with my initial reaction: the edition could benefit from a more extensive explanation of Jonson’s use of "humours." While the introductory material provided some context, a deeper dive into the historical and medical underpinnings of the term, and its impact on the comedy of humours more broadly, would have significantly enriched the reading experience. Understanding the Elizabethan audience’s familiarity with the theory of humours would have allowed for a richer appreciation of the characters' motivations and actions. It's a minor criticism, though, because the parallel text itself was a rewarding element that added significantly to the experience. For those new to Jonson, as my initial reaction suggests, I still recommend starting with more easily accessible plays like The Alchemist or Volpone. But Every Man in His Humour, with its historical significance and wonderfully crafted comedy, is certainly worth the effort. It's a rewarding journey into Elizabethan theatre and offers a timeless exploration of human nature.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.51 x 9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 202
- Publication date: 2024
Book table of contents
- INTRODUCTION
- DRAMATIS PERSONAE
- PROLOGUE
- ACT I
- ACT II
- ACT III
- ACT IV
- ACT V
- GLOSSARY
Preview Book
