When Pigs Fly Ben Jonson The Devil Is An Ass

When Pigs Fly: Deconstructing Ben Jonson's "The Devil is an Ass" and the Absurdity of Ambition

Ben Jonson's The Devil is an Ass is a Jacobean masterpiece that satirizes ambition, folly, and the chaotic nature of human desires. While not explicitly titled "When Pigs Fly," the play's central theme revolves around the improbable success of its characters, echoing the proverbial impossibility implied in that phrase. This comedic masterpiece expertly blends farce, satire, and social commentary, offering a timeless exploration of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Understanding the play requires delving into its intricate plot, its exploration of demonic influence, and its insightful portrayal of Jacobean society.

Introduction: A Devil's Bargain and Human Folly

The Devil is an Ass, first performed in 1616, presents a comedic inversion of the traditional Faustian bargain. Instead of a powerful individual making a pact with the devil for worldly power, we witness the devil, Pug, attempting to influence the lives of relatively insignificant individuals, resulting in hilarious and chaotic consequences. The play’s core comedic premise lies in the inherent absurdity of the devil's attempts to sow discord and corruption in a world already rife with its own brand of human folly. The proverb "When pigs fly" perfectly encapsulates the unlikely success of the characters’ schemes, underlining the inherent impossibility of their ambitions given their flawed natures.

Jonson's play doesn't simply entertain; it provides a sharp critique of the social ambitions and moral failings prevalent in Jacobean England. Through the satirical portrayal of its characters, Jonson exposes the vanity, greed, and hypocrisy that drive individuals to pursue power and status, often at the expense of their own well-being and the well-being of others. The play's humor arises from the stark contrast between the characters' grandiose ambitions and their limited capabilities, highlighting the gap between aspiration and reality.

The Plot: A Devilish Miscalculation

The plot unfolds around Pug, a junior devil whose incompetence frustrates his superiors. He's assigned to wreak havoc among mortals, but his clumsy attempts to manipulate events only lead to escalating chaos and absurdity. He chooses to tempt Fitzdottrel, a gullible and ambitious but ultimately ineffectual nobleman. Fitzdottrel dreams of power and social climbing, believing that he can achieve his ambition through deception and manipulation.

Pug provides Fitzdottrel with a seemingly magical cloak that renders him invisible, hoping this will facilitate his ascent to higher social circles. However, Fitzdottrel's ineptitude leads to a series of comical misunderstandings and misadventures. The cloak, meant to help him achieve his ambition, ironically exposes his flaws and undermines his plans. Instead of garnering power, Fitzdottrel's antics create widespread confusion and expose his own shallowness and lack of true understanding of the world he seeks to dominate. His attempts to manipulate others often backfire, resulting in a series of comedic situations that expose the limitations of his understanding and plans.

The other characters also exemplify the folly of ambition. They are driven by their own selfish desires, often entangled in schemes that spiral into hilarious chaos. Each character's pursuit of their own self-interest underscores the play's broader commentary on the corrosive nature of unchecked ambition in Jacobean society. The play is not merely a satire of individuals; it’s a satire of social systems and the pressures that drive individuals towards questionable behavior in their pursuit of status.

The Devil as a Comic Figure: An Inversion of Traditional Archetypes

Jonson’s portrayal of the devil as inept and comical subverts the traditional image of Satan as a powerful and terrifying force. Pug is not a terrifying figure of evil; he's a bumbling, frustrated bureaucrat in the infernal hierarchy. His incompetence highlights the limitations of even supernatural forces when confronted with the unpredictable nature of human behavior. This inversion of the demonic archetype serves to underscore Jonson's focus on the inherent absurdity of human actions, even when influenced by external forces. The devil's failure to manipulate humans effectively emphasizes the inherent flaws within humanity itself.

The humor arises from the contrast between Pug's grand plans and his pathetic execution. His attempts to manipulate events are clumsy and predictable, often leading to unintended consequences. Instead of inspiring fear, Pug evokes laughter through his own failings and frustrations. This comedic portrayal of the devil effectively undercuts the seriousness of the themes and allows Jonson to explore them in a more accessible and engaging manner. The play's humour stems from the irony of a being of immense power, theoretically capable of shaping human destiny, rendered utterly ineffective by his own incompetence.

Social Commentary: A Mirror to Jacobean Society

The Devil is an Ass is deeply embedded in its historical context. The play reflects the social anxieties and moral ambiguities of Jacobean England. The characters' relentless pursuit of social advancement, their willingness to engage in deception and manipulation, and their general lack of moral scruples mirror the social dynamics of the time. The play serves as a critique of the social hierarchy, exposing its flaws and the hypocrisy of those who occupy positions of power. The play's satire extends beyond individual characters to encompass the wider society, exposing the pervasiveness of ambition and its detrimental consequences.

Jonson’s skillful use of satire allows him to address these sensitive social issues indirectly, using humor to soften the blow of his criticisms. The play's comedic elements do not detract from its social commentary but instead enhance it, making it more accessible and thought-provoking. By presenting his critique through the lens of comedy, Jonson ensures that his message reaches a wider audience, provoking reflection without being overly didactic.

The Language and Style: Wit and Wordplay

Jonson's masterful use of language contributes significantly to the play's comedic effect. His wit, wordplay, and clever use of puns create a richly textured verbal landscape that enhances the overall comedic experience. The language is vibrant and alive, reflecting the energy and chaos of the plot. The interplay between characters is frequently punctuated by witty exchanges and verbal sparring, adding another layer of comedic depth to the unfolding drama.

Jonson employs a range of comedic techniques, from slapstick to satire, to create a truly engaging and entertaining experience for the audience. The physical comedy, combined with the verbal wit, creates a dynamic theatrical experience that holds the audience's attention from beginning to end. The play’s language itself becomes a tool for social commentary, with the use of specific vocabulary and phrasing subtly highlighting the societal pretensions and hypocrisies of the characters.

Conclusion: A Timeless Exploration of Human Nature

The Devil is an Ass, despite its Jacobean setting, remains remarkably relevant today. The themes of ambition, deception, and the pursuit of power continue to resonate with audiences centuries later. The play’s timeless appeal lies in its exploration of universal human characteristics: our desires, our flaws, and our tendency to chase illusions of grandeur. The play's comedic approach makes these profound themes more accessible, allowing audiences to engage with them in a light-hearted yet thought-provoking manner.

The play’s enduring legacy lies not only in its literary merit but also in its insightful commentary on human nature. It serves as a reminder that ambition, while a powerful motivator, can lead to unexpected and often undesirable consequences. The improbable success of the characters, the "when pigs fly" element, emphasizes the absurdity of blindly pursuing unattainable goals, reminding us to focus on more realistic and meaningful aspirations. The play's enduring popularity testifies to its power to entertain and provoke reflection, making it a valuable contribution to the world of comedic literature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the main theme of The Devil is an Ass? The main theme is the satire of ambition and its consequences, highlighting the folly of unchecked desires and the absurdity of pursuing unrealistic goals.

• How does Jonson portray the devil? Jonson subverts the traditional image of the devil, portraying Pug as an incompetent and bumbling junior devil, highlighting the absurdity of evil's plans when confronted with human folly.

• What is the significance of the invisible cloak? The invisible cloak, intended to grant Fitzdottrel power, ironically exposes his ineptitude and further underscores his lack of genuine capability.

• What is the play's social commentary? The play satirizes the social hierarchy and the moral ambiguities of Jacobean society, criticizing ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost.

• Why is The Devil is an Ass still relevant today? The play's exploration of universal themes like ambition, deception, and the pursuit of unrealistic goals remains relevant because these human characteristics persist across time and cultures.

• What makes the play comedic? The play's comedy arises from a combination of situational irony, character flaws, witty dialogue, and the inversion of traditional archetypes, particularly the portrayal of the devil as incompetent.

In essence, The Devil is an Ass is more than just a comedic play; it's a sharp social commentary wrapped in a cloak of hilarity. It's a play that continues to resonate with audiences because it speaks to the inherent absurdities of human nature and the often-unintended consequences of our relentless pursuit of ambition. It's a testament to Ben Jonson's enduring genius, a playwright who could use laughter to expose the follies of his time and, in doing so, create a timeless masterpiece.