The Dynamic Duo in Volpone :: Volpone

The Dynamic Duo in Volpone     While Mosca and Volpone, the dynamic dyad in this play, share many similarities, they are still different abundant to compliment oneanother. On one hand, both pieces are as well in that they share acommon lust for deceit, making their life by tricking others. They takedelight in conjuring up and perform elaborate ends in order to foolpeople. This becomes a bouncing for the devil of them, which they both enjoyplaying immensely. Perhaps the common love of this game is what knitsVolpones heart so tightly to Moscas. On the other hand, Mosca seems to be a little sharper and wittierthan Volpone. Where Volpone tends to be slightly dull or slow, Moscamakes up for his lack by being ingenious for him. For example, in act 3.4,Volpone boils in frustration because he cannot successfully persuade ortrick wench Would-be into leaving his presence. He attempts to make herleave several times, plainly is ineffective. Finally, at the height of his despair, Mosca walks in, and with one breath, comes up with a brilliant guile that sends Lady Would-be running out the door. This unfailingability of Moscas to phrase schemes while under pressure is what makeshim so useful to Volpone and keeps the duo together. Moscas right awaythinking compliments Volpones slow wit. Another characteristic that Mosca possesses in copiousness thatVolpone does not necessarily have is the ability to flatter. Throughout the play, Mosca displays a adroit abilityto play off of other peoples pride by inflating their egos so that theywill be consumed with their own vanity. Then, once the other person hashis look solely on himself, he is vulnerable to fall for any scheme ofMoscas. This tricky character plays this game of flattery with almostevery character in the play, including Volpone. Because Volpone is not witty enough to see that his side-kicktreats him with the same craftiness that he uses on the clients, he is