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The Alchemist (Jonson) Study Guide

by Ben Jonson

The Alchemist study guide contains a biography of Ben Jonson, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

Lovewit has left for his hop-yards in London, and he has left Jeremy, his butler, in charge of his house in Blackfriars. Jeremy, whose name in the play is Face, lives in the house with Subtle, a supposed alchemist, and Dol Common, a prostitute. The three run a major con operation.

The play opens with an argument that continues throughout the play between Subtle and Face. It concerns which of them is the most essential to the business of the con, each claiming his own supremacy. Dol quells this argument and forces the conmen to shake hands. The bell rings, and Dapper, a legal clerk, enters, the first gull of the day. Face takes on the role of “Captain Face”, and Subtle plays the “Doctor.”

Dapper wants a spirit that will allow him to win at…

Read the full The Alchemist (Jonson) Summary

• The Alchemist (Jonson) Summary
• About The Alchemist (Jonson)
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• 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
• Alchemy
• Anabaptism
• A short stage history
• Modern analogues
• Related Links on The Alchemist (Jonson)
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• The Alchemist (Jonson): Major Themes
• The Alchemist (Jonson): Essays
• The Alchemist (Jonson): E-Text
• The Alchemist (Jonson): Questions
• The Alchemist (Jonson): Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Ben Jonson: Biography