Written by English dramatist, Ben Jonson, The Alchemist is a comedy condensed into five acts, and set during the plague of 1610 in London. The play was first performed in 1610 and published in 1612.
The Alchemist presents the events after Lovewit, a gentleman, leaves his house to the care of his butler, Jeremy, who then transforms himself into Face. Face along with con-artists, Subtle, a supposed alchemist, and Doll Common, a prostitute, begins to run a fraudulent business.
As the play unfolds, the con-artists become increasingly delusional about the existence of a Philosopher’s Stone All these events eventually culminate in the master’s return and an interesting plot twist.
The Alchemist highlights the deep-seated human craving for more wealth, power, and prestige. It also portrays Jonson’s masterly use of language, his art of satire and his writing as a dramatist. An outstanding insight into the journey of self refinement and the lives of those who live on the margins of society,The Alchemist is a must-read.