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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Act 5, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis:
The mood of The Alchemist is often chaotic and disorderly, as Jonson carefully juggles a number of closely interwoven sub-plots involving false identities and elaborate schemes. In the play, Face, Subtle, and Doll attempt to trick a group of gullible individuals into handing over their money for the services of a powerful “alchemist,” who is actually Subtle in disguise. Their actions become increasingly frenzied as the play develops and their various ruses and assumed identities become difficult to maintain.
When Lovewit, owner of the house that has served as the headquarters for the schemers, returns to London, he comments on the chaos that has unfolded in his home:
Lov. The house is mine here, and the doors are open;
If there be any such persons as you seek for,
Use your authority, search on o' God's name.
I am but newly come to town, and finding
This tumult 'bout my door, to tell you true,
It somewhat mazed me; till my man, here, fearing
My more displeasure, told me he had done
Somewhat an insolent part, let out my house [...]
To a doctor and a captain: who, what they are
Or where they be, he knows not.
Lovewit, who has just returned from the countryside, notes that the doors of his house “are open” and that there is a “tumult” of action as various individuals, drawn from different social classes, come and go. He is baffled and “mazed,” or amazed, by this frenzy of activity, as he left his home in the care of his servant, Face, who admits to Lovewit that he has “let out” the house to a “doctor and a captain,” the assumed identities of Subtle and Face respectively. Throughout the play, Jonson makes comedic use of the various mix-ups and confusions that follow from the unsustainably elaborate criminal schemes of Subtle, Face, and Doll.
Related Themes:
