The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly—a phrase that perfectly captures the absurdity and wit of Ben Jonson’s 1616 comedy. This Jacobean play is a sharp satire on London’s corruption, deception, and greed. Jonson masterfully blends supernatural elements with real-world foolishness, proving that humans can be more ridiculous than devils themselves.
This article explores the play’s historical background, plot, characters, themes, and modern relevance. Whether you’re a student, theater lover, or literature enthusiast, this deep dive into The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly will help you understand why Jonson’s satire remains timeless.
Historical and Cultural Context the devil is an ass when pigs fly
To truly appreciate The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly, we must first understand the world in which it was written. The play debuted in 1616, during the reign of King James I, a period marked by political scandals, economic frauds, and social hypocrisy.
One real-life event that influenced the play was the Leicester Boy Witch Trial. This trial exposed the false accusations and hysteria surrounding witchcraft, something Jonson mocks through his devil character, Pug. Instead of humans fearing supernatural forces, the play suggests that even devils struggle to keep up with human trickery.
London in the early 1600s was a bustling city filled with con artists, corrupt businessmen, and status-hungry nobles. Jonson, always keen to criticize society, used his plays to expose the greed and foolishness of the upper class.
Plot Summary the devil is an ass when pigs fly
The play opens in Hell, where the devil Pug desperately wants to go to Earth and corrupt mankind. His master, Satan, warns him that humans are already so wicked that a simple devil like him won’t stand a chance. However, Satan allows him to visit London for a day, and Pug takes over the body of a recently executed thief.
In London, Pug becomes a servant to Fabian Fitzdottrel, a foolish nobleman obsessed with wealth and status. Fitzdottrel dreams of summoning a devil to help him find treasure, unaware that he has an actual demon in his household. Meanwhile, a group of con artists, including Wittipol and Merecraft, target Fitzdottrel, hoping to trick him out of his money.
The play revolves around deception, mistaken identities, and failed schemes. Wittipol disguises himself as a Spanish noblewoman to get close to Fitzdottrel’s wife. Merecraft convinces Fitzdottrel he can turn swamps into valuable land, promising him the title “Duke of the Drowned Lands”.
As the chaos unfolds, Pug, instead of leading humans to sin, is constantly outwitted, beaten, and humiliated. Eventually, he is arrested and thrown into Newgate Prison, only to be rescued by Satan himself, who proves that humans are more cunning than demons.
Character Analysis the devil is an ass when pigs fly
Pug – The Foolish Devil
Pug starts off as an ambitious demon eager to spread sin, but he quickly realizes that humans don’t need a devil to be corrupt. He is constantly outmatched, highlighting Jonson’s belief that human greed and deception are far worse than any supernatural evil.
Fabian Fitzdottrel – The Gullible Nobleman the devil is an ass when pigs fly
Fitzdottrel represents the vain, greedy aristocrats of Jonson’s time. He is easily fooled by get-rich-quick schemes, making him the perfect target for conmen. His obsession with status blinds him to the obvious tricks played on him.
Wittipol and Manly – The Tricksters
Wittipol is a witty young man who disguises himself as a Spanish lady to seduce Fitzdottrel’s wife. His friend, Manly, represents honor and intelligence, contrasting with the foolish characters around him.
Merecraft – The Greedy Conman
Merecraft is a classic Jacobean fraudster, using fake business ventures to scam others. His schemes mirror the real-world financial scams that were common in 17th-century London.
Mistress Fitzdottrel – The Voice of Reason
Unlike her husband, Mistress Fitzdottrel is intelligent and cautious. She resists Wittipol’s advances and ultimately gains control of her own fate, making her one of the play’s strongest characters.
Themes and Symbolism
1. Human Corruption vs. Supernatural Evil
Jonson flips traditional morality on its head—humans are so deceitful that even a devil can’t keep up with them. The phrase The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly captures this irony perfectly.
2. Deception and Social Climbing
Every character in the play is either deceiving or being deceived. Fitzdottrel wants to climb the social ladder, Merecraft wants to exploit the system, and Wittipol deceives for romance.
3. Satire of London Society
Jonson’s London is a place where fraud, greed, and foolishness thrive. The play exposes how people prioritize wealth and status over morality.
4. The Role of Women in Jacobean England
Mistress Fitzdottrel’s character challenges the traditional role of women. Unlike the foolish men around her, she shows intelligence and resilience.
Language and Writing Style the devil is an ass when pigs fly
Jonson’s writing in The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly is filled with wordplay, irony, and sharp wit. He uses dramatic irony to show how characters are blind to their own foolishness, while the audience sees the bigger picture.
The language is also rich in Jacobean slang, satire, and classical references, making it a sophisticated yet entertaining play.
Performance History and Adaptations the devil is an ass when pigs fly
The play was first performed by The King’s Men at Blackfriars Theatre in 1616. Though not as popular as Jonson’s Volpone or The Alchemist, it remains an important part of his comedic legacy.
Modern productions have reinterpreted the play to highlight political and financial corruption, proving that its themes are still relevant today.
Critical Reception and Legacy
While The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly was not an immediate hit, critics now appreciate its sharp social commentary and complex humor. Jonson’s satire of human foolishness still resonates in an era filled with scams, deception, and status obsession.
The play influenced later writers, including Restoration playwrights and 18th-century satirists like Alexander Pope. Its critique of greed and ambition remains timeless.
Modern Relevance
Jonson’s satire feels strikingly modern. In today’s world of fake news, Ponzi schemes, and political scandals, the play’s themes are more relevant than ever. The idea that humans don’t need devils to be corrupt perfectly fits today’s reality.
Wouldn’t Jonson laugh if he saw how little has changed? The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly might be a 17th-century comedy, but its critique of human nature is eternal.
Conclusion
The Devil Is an Ass When Pigs Fly is more than just a play—it’s a sharp, witty critique of human foolishness. Through satire, Jonson exposes greed, deception, and the absurdity of social ambition.
Even today, the play reminds us that sometimes, humans outdo devils when it comes to trickery. Whether you’re studying literature or just love a good satire, this play is worth exploring.
