The Alchemist by Ben Jonson (AUDIOBOOK!)

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"The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson is a comedic play set in the bustling city of London during a time of plague. The story revolves around a series of deceptive schemes orchestrated by the cunning servant Face, who takes advantage of his master Lovewit's absence. With the assistance of his criminal partners, Subtle and Dol Common, Face uses Lovewit's home as a base for their fraudulent activities.

The play commences with Face and his associates awaiting their victims, each of whom seeks something from the world of alchemy. The first target is Dapper, a law clerk searching for a mystical "familiar" to aid him in gambling. Subtle, posing as a mystic alchemist, agrees to help but requires Dapper to perform a series of absurd rituals. The following victim is Abel Drugger, a local shopkeeper, seeking advice on his business. Subtle convinces him of his prosperous future using alchemical principles, including the potential acquisition of the legendary philosopher's stone.

The story takes an even more comedic turn when Sir Epicure Mammon arrives, convinced that Subtle is working on creating the philosopher's stone for him. Mammon fantasizes about the immense wealth and power he will gain, including irresistible sexual prowess. While Mammon and his skeptical friend Surly interact with Subtle and Face, misunderstandings and humorous dialogues ensue.

As the play unfolds, the characters' ambitions and desires intertwine, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and ironic situations. The play is a clever exploration of human folly, as various characters fall prey to the deceitful machinations of Face, Subtle, and Dol Common. The plot thickens as Lovewit unexpectedly returns, forcing the con artists to hurriedly tie up loose ends and resolve their tangled web of lies.

"The Alchemist" showcases Ben Jonson's mastery of comedic writing and his ability to satirize the societal trends and aspirations of his time. The play's clever plot twists, engaging characters, and humorous situations have contributed to its enduring popularity on the stage and its reputation as one of Jonson's finest works