When Pigs Fly Ben Jonson

When Pigs Fly: Deconstructing Ben Jonson's "The Devil Is an Ass"

Ben Jonson, a towering figure of the English Renaissance, is celebrated for his sharp wit, satirical prowess, and profound understanding of human nature. While plays like Volpone and The Alchemist often steal the limelight, his lesser-known masterpiece, The Devil Is an Ass, offers a fascinating lens through which to examine Jonson's comedic genius and his commentary on societal follies. Within this play lies a seemingly simple, yet deeply symbolic phrase: "when pigs fly." This article will delve into the context of this phrase within the play, exploring its meaning, its historical significance, and its enduring relevance to our understanding of Jonson's work and the human condition.

Introduction: A Comedy of Errors and Infernal Schemes

The Devil Is an Ass is a Jacobean comedy, first performed around 1616. It follows the misadventures of Pug, a devil of relatively low rank, who is sent to earth to tempt mankind. However, Pug’s attempts at mischief are consistently thwarted by his own incompetence and the inherent absurdity of the situations he creates. The play is a riotous exploration of human folly, ambition, and the chaotic consequences of unchecked desires. Jonson masterfully uses satire to expose the hypocrisy and vanity prevalent within Jacobean society, employing witty dialogue and farcical situations to drive home his points. The phrase "when pigs fly," while seemingly a throwaway line, becomes a microcosm of the play's overarching themes of impossibility and the ironic twists of fate that shape the characters' destinies.

The Context of "When Pigs Fly" in The Devil Is an Ass

The exact phrasing "when pigs fly" doesn't appear verbatim in The Devil Is an Ass. However, the sentiment—the expression of something utterly improbable or impossible—is conveyed through several scenes and dialogues. The play’s central conflict rests upon the inherently flawed nature of Pug’s mission. He is tasked with causing mischief and tempting humans into wickedness, but his schemes consistently backfire, highlighting the inherent difficulties and often comical results of interfering with the natural order.

One could argue that the entire premise of a junior devil attempting to manipulate human affairs is itself a comedic inversion of the expected narrative. The audience witnesses Pug’s repeated failures, his inability to effectively corrupt, and his eventual outsmarting by the very humans he seeks to deceive. This irony underscores the inherent limitations of even supernatural forces when confronted with the unpredictability of human behavior. The impossibility of Pug's mission, and the ludicrous nature of his plans, mirrors the impossibility implied by the proverbial "when pigs fly."

Several scenes illustrate this impossibility. For instance, Pug's attempts to manipulate the character Fitzdottrel, a foolish and ambitious gentleman, are consistently thwarted by Fitzdottrel's own ineptitude and the unforeseen consequences of his actions. Fitzdottrel's grand schemes, fueled by his lust for power and wealth, are ultimately as unrealistic and improbable as pigs taking flight. His delusions of grandeur, mirroring the devil's flawed plan, highlight the inherent absurdity of unchecked ambition and the folly of pursuing unattainable goals.

Furthermore, the play's portrayal of human nature contributes to the overall sense of impossibility embedded in the "when pigs fly" concept. Jonson’s characters are a tapestry of flawed individuals driven by self-interest, greed, and vanity. Their actions are frequently irrational, self-destructive, and often humorous in their ineptitude. The idea that these individuals could be easily manipulated by a low-ranking devil is itself inherently improbable, mirroring the absurdity implied by the phrase. The very act of a devil effectively controlling human behavior, let alone a low-ranking one like Pug, is as unlikely as pigs flying, adding to the play's overall comedic effect and its satirical commentary on human nature.

Jonson's Use of Irony and Satire: A Deeper Look

Jonson was a master of irony and satire, and The Devil Is an Ass is a prime example of his skill in using these literary devices. The play is filled with ironic reversals and unexpected twists, highlighting the absurdity of human behavior and the limitations of power, whether human or demonic. The ironic juxtaposition between Pug's expectation of easy manipulation and his constant failures underscores the play's comedic core.

The satirical elements within the play target various societal ills, including greed, ambition, and the pursuit of social status. Jonson cleverly uses caricature and exaggeration to expose the hypocrisy and absurdity of these behaviors. The characters are often over-the-top and ridiculous, representing different aspects of human folly. Their actions, though meant to be serious, create comedic situations that underline the foolishness of their pursuits. The idea of pigs flying is therefore a metaphorical representation of the unrealized goals and the inherently flawed attempts of these characters to achieve greatness or happiness. It highlights the gap between aspiration and reality, between ambition and accomplishment.

The Historical Context: Proverbial Expressions and Jacobean Society

The use of proverbial expressions like "when pigs fly" (or its equivalent sentiment) was common in Jacobean England. These phrases served as shorthand ways of expressing ideas about impossibility and improbability. In The Devil Is an Ass, the underlying meaning of the unspoken "when pigs fly" sentiment resonates with the audience's understanding of societal norms and expectations. The audience would have immediately grasped the comedic irony of the devil's thwarted plans, recognizing the inherent absurdity of expecting easy manipulation of human behavior. The play cleverly taps into this shared understanding, deepening its comedic and satirical impact.

The play's commentary on Jacobean society extends beyond the individual characters. Jonson’s use of satire serves as social commentary, exposing the corruption and hypocrisy prevalent during his time. The unattainable goals pursued by many characters reflect the unattainable ideals often promoted within society, highlighting the gap between reality and aspiration. The play is a clever critique of social structures and the aspirations that drive individuals within them. The implication of "when pigs fly" therefore extends beyond the individual characters, encompassing the broader societal structures and the unrealistic expectations often promoted within them.

The Enduring Relevance of "When Pigs Fly"

The phrase "when pigs fly," and the sentiment it represents, remains relevant today. It continues to be used as a colloquial expression to denote something highly improbable or impossible. The play's exploration of human folly, ambition, and the unpredictable nature of life is just as relatable now as it was in the 17th century. We continue to grapple with issues of ambition, greed, and the consequences of our actions.

The enduring appeal of The Devil Is an Ass lies in its timeless exploration of the human condition. Jonson's satirical wit and his profound understanding of human nature ensure that the play remains engaging and thought-provoking centuries after its creation. The inherent absurdity of Pug’s mission and the characters' flawed ambitions, encapsulated in the unspoken "when pigs fly" sentiment, continue to resonate with audiences because they reflect universal truths about human behavior and the often-chaotic nature of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the significance of Pug's character in the play? Pug represents the limitations of even supernatural forces when confronted with the unpredictable nature of human behavior. His repeated failures highlight the inherent absurdity of attempting to control human actions.

• How does The Devil Is an Ass differ from Jonson's other works? While Jonson's other works often focus on more specific social vices like greed or deception (Volpone, The Alchemist), The Devil Is an Ass tackles a broader range of human follies through the lens of a comical, albeit flawed, demonic intervention.

• What is the overall message of the play? The play's overarching message is a satirical commentary on human folly, the limitations of ambition, and the unpredictable nature of life. It suggests that the pursuit of unrealistic goals often leads to comical and self-destructive outcomes.

Conclusion: A Flight of Fancy and Human Folly

The Devil Is an Ass, though not explicitly featuring the phrase "when pigs fly," encapsulates its meaning through its overarching plot and character development. The play masterfully uses satire and irony to explore the absurdity of human ambition and the limitations of even supernatural power. The unspoken “when pigs fly” sentiment serves as a recurring motif, highlighting the impossibility of Pug's mission and the inherent flaws within human nature. Through witty dialogue and farcical situations, Jonson crafts a timeless comedy that continues to entertain and provoke thought, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life and the often-comical results of pursuing unattainable goals. The play's enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with audiences across centuries, demonstrating the timeless nature of human folly and the enduring power of satire. Jonson's genius lies in his ability to create a play that is both deeply satirical and profoundly comedic, demonstrating the absurdity of aiming for the impossible, whether that be through demonic intervention or human ambition. The phrase "when pigs fly," therefore, transcends its simple meaning to become a symbol of the play's central thematic concerns, serving as a potent reminder of the inherent limitations and the often comical failures of humankind.