Previous
Act 4, Scene 5
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Alchemist, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Alchemy and Transformation
Religion
Sex and Greed
Deception and Gullibility
Summary
Analysis
Surly enters with Dame Pliant. He tells her, now speaking in English, that she has fallen into a “nest of villains.” But, Surly says, he is a gentleman and the Dame is a beautiful woman, and he is still very interested in her. He is poor, but she is rich, and her wealth will make him a man—if she will have him. Dame Pliant says she will, and Surly promises to handle Face and Subtle.
Alone with Dame Pliant, Surly rats out Subtle and Face, but Surly is still greedy. Dame Pliant is rich, and he hopes to marry her to get her money. Dame Pliant is, as her name suggests, flexible, and she agrees to marry him anyway.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Subtle enters, thinking Surly is still a Spaniard, and asks how he is fairing with Dame Pliant. Subtle continues talking and begins picking Surly’s pockets as he does. Surly tells Subtle, in English this time, to stand up. Subtle begins to scream murder, but Surly says he has no such intent. “I am the Spanish Don,” Surly says, and he knows they have tried to trick him.
Again, Subtle picking Surly’s pockets is ridiculous and very comical. Subtle has been so duped by Surly, he doesn’t recognize him even after Surly removes his disguise.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
