Introduction
Mosca is a cunning and manipulative character in the play “Volpone” written by Ben Jonson (1572-1637). He serves as Volpone’s parasite and confidante. He assists him in his fraudulent schemes to deceive and exploit others for his own gain. Here are some characteristics of Mosca in “Volpone”.
Clever and Resourceful:
Mosca is portrayed as an intelligent and crafty character. He uses his wit and quick thinking to come up with elaborate plans and strategies to manipulate others. For example, he helps Volpone in creating a fake will and stages various deceptions to extract money and gifts from the other characters such as Corbaccio, Corvino, and Lady Would-Be, in the play.
More Notes: Volpone
Master Manipulator:
Mosca is a skilled manipulator who uses flattery, charm, and deceit to influence others. He takes advantage of their greed, gullibility, and weaknesses to further his own agenda. He employs persuasive language and cunning tactics to win the trust of other characters. He leads them to believe that he is loyal and trustworthy. In reality, he is only serving his own interests. He is skilled in crafting elaborate schemes and duping people into believing his lies.
“I can feed his humour till I make him
Familiar with his own insatiate itch,
And have his greedy ear lapt to my lure.”
Loyalty to Volpone:
Despite his selfish motives, Mosca remains fiercely loyal to Volpone throughout the play. He serves as Volpone’s confidante. He carries out his plans with dedication. He constantly supports and encourages Volpone in his schemes, showing his loyalty and commitment to their partnership. He says,
“I love my master, above life, land, goods”
Ambitious and Greedy:
Mosca is driven by ambition and greed. He is willing to go to great lengths to attain wealth, power, and social status, even if it means resorting to unethical and illegal means. He actively participates in Volpone’s fraudulent activities, hoping to share in the spoils and improve his own status in society.
Complex Motivations:
While Mosca is primarily motivated by his own self-interest, there are moments in the play where his motives appear more nuanced. He seems to enjoy the thrill of manipulation and deception. It reveals his ability to outwit others. He also displays a certain level of cunning and opportunism. He takes advantage of the chaotic situations that arise from the other characters’ attempts to gain favor with Volpone. For example, Mosca disguises himself as a mountebank and tricks Corvino into believing that he has a cure for his wife’s supposed illness, which leads to Corvino’s desperate attempts to secure Volpone’s inheritance.
Lack of Moral Compass:
Mosca lacks a moral compass and shows no remorse or guilt for his actions. He is willing to deceive, betray, and harm others without hesitation, as long as it serves his own interests and aligns with Volpone’s plans. He is portrayed as an amoral character who embodies the darker aspects of human nature, driven solely by self-preservation and personal gain. For example, Mosca manipulates Corbaccio into disinheriting his own son, Bonario, in favor of Volpone, purely for his own gain. He is willing to cross ethical boundaries and engage in immoral behavior for his personal gain.
“Destruction fall upon them, thee, and me,
And all mankind, rather than my designs.”
Complex Relationship with Volpone:
Mosca’s relationship with Volpone is multifaceted. While he serves as Volpone’s loyal accomplice, there are moments where he asserts his own independence and challenges Volpone’s authority. He exhibits a certain level of cunning and ambition that suggests he may have his own agenda beyond just serving Volpone. However, in the end, his loyalty to Volpone prevails, and he remains committed to their partnership until the very end.
Conclusion:
Mosca’s character in “Volpone” is a complex and multifaceted portrayal of a cunning and manipulative character who is driven by ambition, greed, and self-interest. He serves as Volpone’s confidante and enabler, employing his intelligence and resourcefulness to further their fraudulent schemes. However, his lack of moral compass and unwavering loyalty to Volpone ultimately leads to his downfall, highlighting the consequences of his deceitful actions.
