The Alchemist
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
The Dedication
The Argument
Prologue
Act 1, Scene 1
Act 1, Scene 2
Act 1, Scene 3
Act 1, Scene 4
Act 2, Scene 1
Act 2, Scene 2
Act 2, Scene 3
Act 2, Scene 4
Act 2, Scene 5
Act 2, Scene 6
Act 3, Scene 1
Act 3, Scene 2
Act 3, Scene 3
Act 3, Scene 4
Act 3, Scene 5
Act 4, Scene 1
Act 4, Scene 2
Act 4, Scene 3
Act 4, Scene 4
Act 4, Scene 5
Act 4, Scene 6
Act 4, Scene 7
Act 5, Scene 1
Act 5, Scene 2
Act 5, Scene 3
Act 5, Scene 4
Act 5, Scene 5
Themes
All Themes
Alchemy and Transformation
Religion
Sex and Greed
Deception and Gullibility
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Face / Jeremy the Butler
Subtle
Doll Common
Sir Epicure Mammon
Dapper
Ananias
Surly / The Spaniard
Kestrel
Tribulation Wholesome
Dame Pliant
Abel Drugger
Lovewit
Symbols
All Symbols
The Philosopher’s Stone
Literary Devices
All Literary Devices
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Fallacy
Genre
Hyperbole
Imagery
Irony
Logos
Metaphors
Mood
Satire
Setting
Similes
Style
Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes
The Dedication Quiz
The Argument Quiz
Prologue Quiz
Act 1, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 6 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 6 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 7 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 5 Quiz
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The Alchemist
by
Ben Jonson
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Introduction
Intro
Plot Summary
Plot
Summary & Analysis
The Dedication
The Argument
Prologue
Act 1, Scene 1
Act 1, Scene 2
Act 1, Scene 3
Act 1, Scene 4
Act 2, Scene 1
Act 2, Scene 2
Act 2, Scene 3
Act 2, Scene 4
Act 2, Scene 5
Act 2, Scene 6
Act 3, Scene 1
Act 3, Scene 2
Act 3, Scene 3
Act 3, Scene 4
Act 3, Scene 5
Act 4, Scene 1
Act 4, Scene 2
Act 4, Scene 3
Act 4, Scene 4
Act 4, Scene 5
Act 4, Scene 6
Act 4, Scene 7
Act 5, Scene 1
Act 5, Scene 2
Act 5, Scene 3
Act 5, Scene 4
Act 5, Scene 5
Themes
All Themes
Alchemy and Transformation
Religion
Sex and Greed
Deception and Gullibility
Quotes
Characters
All Characters
Face / Jeremy the Butler
Subtle
Doll Common
Sir Epicure Mammon
Dapper
Ananias
Surly / The Spaniard
Kestrel
Tribulation Wholesome
Dame Pliant
Abel Drugger
Lovewit
Symbols
All Symbols
The Philosopher’s Stone
Lit Devices
All Literary Devices
Allusions
Dramatic Irony
Fallacy
Genre
Hyperbole
Imagery
Irony
Logos
Metaphors
Mood
Satire
Setting
Similes
Style
Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes
The Dedication Quiz
The Argument Quiz
Prologue Quiz
Act 1, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 1, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 2, Scene 6 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 3, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 5 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 6 Quiz
Act 4, Scene 7 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 1 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 2 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 3 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 4 Quiz
Act 5, Scene 5 Quiz
Theme Wheel
Theme Viz
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What condition does Subtle emphasize to Mammon for the successful use of the philosopher's stone?
1 of 10
It requires the user to have a background in scientific research and alchemical studies
The stone's power can only be unlocked through a specific ritual involving multiple people
The user must pursue goals that benefit the public good, piety, and charity, avoiding personal greed
It demands absolute secrecy and cannot be revealed to skeptics or nonbelievers for fear of losing its power
How does the alchemical process described by Subtle and Face contribute to the theme of deception in the play?
2 of 10
The detailed description of the process aims to lend credibility to their scam, exploiting their victims' ignorance
The detailed description of the process aims to lend credibility to their scam, exploiting their victims' ignorance
It symbolizes the transformative power of knowledge and how it can be used for both noble and nefarious purposes
The technical jargon used by Subtle and Face highlights the divide between the educated and uneducated classes
What does Surly's sarcastic comment reveal about his perspective on Subtle and the alchemical process?
3 of 10
He is genuinely impressed by Subtle's expertise and is reconsidering his skepticism
He finds the entire operation suspicious and is mocking their supposed alchemical knowledge
He is confused by the technical terms used and seeks clarification on the process
He is interested in learning more about alchemy and possibly participating in the experiment
How does Jonson use Surly's skepticism to contrast with Mammon and Subtle's deception?
4 of 10
By showing Surly as a voice of reason in a world filled with greed and the pursuit of impossible dreams
Surly's lack of belief in alchemy underscores the foolishness of those who do, emphasizing the play's moral
Surly's skepticism serves as comic relief, making light of the elaborate lengths others go to for wealth
It highlights the gullibility of people desperate for wealth and the cunning of those who exploit that desire
What does Mammon's eagerness to bring all his metal items for transformation reveal about his personality?
5 of 10
His deep-seated belief in the power of alchemy and its potential to change society
His generosity and intent to use the gold for the public good, as promised to Subtle
His innovative spirit and willingness to experiment with new scientific ideas
His desperation and vulnerability to scams due to his desire for quick and immense wealth
How does Surly's reaction to Subtle's explanations reflect his perspective on alchemy?
6 of 10
He is intrigued but needs more evidence to be fully convinced of its validity
He views alchemy as a fraudulent and elaborate scheme designed to deceive and manipulate
He respects the historical significance of alchemy but doubts its relevance in the modern world
He is indifferent, viewing alchemy as an intellectual curiosity rather than a serious discipline
What is Face's explanation for Doll's presence and behavior intended to do?
7 of 10
To add credibility to their alchemical operations by associating them with scholarly pursuits
To distract Mammon and Surly from the ongoing scam by introducing a new, intriguing character
To justify Doll's erratic behavior as a result of her intellectual endeavors, thus garnering sympathy
To further deceive Mammon by weaving a tale of nobility and tragedy around Doll
How does Surly's reaction to the unfolding events contrast with Mammon's behavior?
8 of 10
Surly is completely convinced by the scam, whereas Mammon remains skeptical and cautious
Surly demonstrates a pragmatic and rational perspective, warning Mammon against the deceit, unlike Mammon's gullible enthusiasm
Surly becomes increasingly intrigued by the alchemical promises, while Mammon is focused solely on Doll
Surly shows an interest in learning more about Doll's scholarly background, while Mammon is only interested in her physical appearance
What is Surly's reaction to Face's suggestion to meet Captain Face at the Temple Church?
9 of 10
Surly is excited and trusts Face completely
Surly is hesitant but ultimately decides to trust Face
Surly agrees to go but remains suspicious of Face and Subtle's intentions
Surly refuses to go, seeing through Face's plan immediately
What does Mammon's request that Face put in a good word for him reveal about his character?
10 of 10
It shows Mammon's generosity and willingness to share his wealth
It highlights Mammon's cautious approach towards his investments
It reveals Mammon's desire to impress Doll and reflects his lustful nature
It indicates Mammon's skepticism towards Face and Subtle's scheme
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Rosewall, Kim. "The Alchemist."
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LitCharts LLC, 21 Feb 2020. Web. 28 Apr 2025.
Rosewall, Kim. "The Alchemist." LitCharts. LitCharts LLC, 21 Feb 2020. Web. 28 Apr 2025.
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