PL/Volpone: Heroes and Villains

Question 1

Overall Argument

Answer 1

Focus around the ironic presentation of heroism in the texts.

Question 2

Paragraph 1: Mosca and Volpone

Answer 2

‘since I gain/No common way…I wound no earth with ploughshares’ - allusion to gold age attempts to justify his ‘gain’.
‘cocker up my genius and live free’ - another allusion to the gold age.
‘cunning purchase of my wealth’

‘Yield, or I’ll force thee.’ - shift in register, commanding tone, indicates the dark turn of the scene.
‘Be bountiful’ - Celia appeals to Volpone’s morals, it is clear he has none.

Question 3

Paragraph 2:

Answer 3

Celia, who is modest, turns out to be the true hero as she resists patriarchy.

Celia embodies Christianity and morality.
‘Thy beauty’s miracle’/ ‘sensual baits’
‘This my offending face’
‘I am your martyr’
‘Thy mouth unto thine ears’
‘kill me’ - steady rhythm shows certainty in her words.
‘Oh god and his good angels’

Question 4

Paragraph 3:

Answer 4

Satan uses the idea of heroism and superiority to manipulate Eve.

‘venturing higher than my lot’
‘ye shall be as gods’
‘I of brute human, ye of human gods’

Question 5

Context

Answer 5

Ovid’s metamorphoses: paints a picture of the golden age, pure, at one with the earth. Contrast to bronze age, destruction of earth.

Question 6

Context 2

Answer 6

Christian values. Adultery as a sin.