The Alchemist speaks directly to many modern concerns, and it has influenced directly or indirectly many succeeding plays and films. Below is a selection of works that may be interesting to view or read and then compare with Jonson's play. One also should recall Ben Jonson’s own Volpone (1606).

Some of these works focus on the theatricality and farcical nature of the play; others, on the nature of conmanship. All should provide interesting reading or viewing and should furnish the student with some interesting analogues to Jonson's play.

Books

David Maurer, The Big Con (1942)

Herman Melville, The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade (1857)

Jim Thompson, The Grifters (1963)

Plays

Ray Cooney, See How They Run (1943)

Michael Frayn, Noises Off (1982)

Films

David Mamet (writer/director), Heist (2001)

David Mamet (writer/director), House of Games (1987)

George Roy Hill (director), The Sting (1973)

Ridley Scott (director), Matchstick Men (2003)

• Biography of Ben Jonson
• About The Alchemist
• Character List
• Major Themes
• Glossary of Terms
• Short Summary
• Full Summary and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of The Prologue
• Summary and Analysis of Act I, Scene I
• Summary and Analysis of Act 1, Scene 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act 1, Scenes 3 and 4
• Summary and Analysis of Act 2, Scenes 1, 2, and 3
• Summary and Analysis of Act 2, Scenes 4, 5, and 6
• Summary and Analysis of Act 3, Scenes 1 and 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act 3, Scenes 3, 4, and 5
• Summary and Analysis of Act 4, Scenes 1 and 2
• Summary and Analysis of Act 4, Scenes 3 and 4
• Summary and Analysis of Act 4, Scenes 5, 6, and 7
• Summary and Analysis of Act 5, Scenes 1, 2, and 3
• Summary and Analysis of Act 5, Scenes 4 and 5
• Related Links on The Alchemist
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Alchemy
• Anabaptism
• A short stage history
• Modern analogues
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources
• Purchase The Alchemist and Other Works
• Test Yourself! Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! Quiz 4
• Essays on The Alchemist
• E-Text
• Message Board on The Alchemist