Ben Jonson 
Cynthia’s Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love 

Ben Jonson’s ‘Cynthia’s Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love’ is a satirical play that delves into the themes of self-love, vanity, and moral corruption in the society of Jacobean England. Written in a mixture of prose and verse, Jonson’s literary style is characterized by sharp wit, clever wordplay, and a keen observation of human nature. The play is set against the backdrop of the court of Queen Elizabeth I, providing a rich literary context for the exploration of power dynamics and social hypocrisy. Through a series of flamboyant characters and exaggerated situations, Jonson satirizes the follies and vices of the courtly society. Ben Jonson, a contemporary of William Shakespeare, was a prominent playwright and poet in the Jacobean era. Known for his sharp tongue and bold critiques, Jonson’s works often reflected his disdain for social pretensions and moral decay. It is believed that Jonson’s personal encounters with the courtly society inspired him to write ‘Cynthia’s Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love’ as a scathing commentary on the vanity and corruption of the aristocracy. I highly recommend ‘Cynthia’s Revels; Or, The Fountain of Self-Love’ to readers who are interested in exploring the satirical works of the Jacobean era and delving into the intricate web of social dynamics and moral quandaries presented in Jonson’s play.