Every Man In His Humour: Characters & Analysis

Welcome, theatre enthusiasts and curious minds! Today, we're diving headfirst into the vibrant world of Ben Jonson's Every Man in His Humour. This classic comedy is a treasure trove of memorable characters, each driven by their unique 'humour' – a concept central to understanding the play. We'll explore these Every Man in His Humour characters in detail, analyzing their motivations, quirks, and how they contribute to the play's enduring appeal. Let's embark on a journey through the witty streets of London, guided by Jonson's masterful pen and the eccentric personalities that populate his masterpiece. Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and perhaps, a little bit humoured yourself! Remember, the beauty of this play lies in its timeless exploration of human nature, presented through the lens of exaggerated personalities and witty dialogue. The play's humor arises from the characters' exaggerated adherence to these dominant humours and the social chaos that ensues.

Understanding the 'Humours' in Every Man in His Humour

Before we introduce the Every Man in His Humour characters, let's grasp the concept of 'humours' as Jonson understood it. In Elizabethan times, the prevailing medical theory held that the body was governed by four humours: blood (sanguine), phlegm (phlegmatic), yellow bile (choleric), and black bile (melancholic). Each humour was associated with a specific temperament and personality trait. A person was considered healthy when these humours were balanced. Imbalance, however, led to an overabundance of one humour, dictating a person's behaviour and, often, their flaws. In Every Man in His Humour, Jonson cleverly uses this concept to create a cast of characters who are, in effect, caricatures of these temperaments. They are defined by their dominant humour, leading to predictable (and often hilarious) actions and reactions. This framework allows Jonson to satirize various social classes and behaviors, offering a witty commentary on the follies of human nature. Think of the humours as personality filters, coloring the characters' perceptions and influencing their every move. This is the key to unlock the play's humour and understanding of the Every Man in His Humour characters. This gives the opportunity to portray different characters with unique personalities.

The Main Characters of Every Man in His Humour

Now, let's meet the stars of the show: the Every Man in His Humour characters that bring the play to life. These are the individuals whose interactions and foibles drive the plot and generate the comedy. Each character embodies a particular humour, making them both predictable and endlessly entertaining. From the lovesick and the jealous to the boastful and the easily angered, the characters in Every Man in His Humour offer a rich tapestry of human behavior. Their interactions are a source of constant amusement, revealing the absurdity of their exaggerated personalities. We'll break down the key players, exploring their motivations and how they contribute to the overall comedic effect. Prepare to meet a cast of unforgettable personalities whose eccentricities continue to resonate with audiences centuries after the play's debut. The richness of the play lies in the complexities of the personalities portrayed by these Every Man in His Humour characters.

Knowell

Knowell is the patriarch, a man of considerable wealth and status, but also a father plagued by concern for his son, Edward Knowell. He is the voice of reason and experience. Knowell is the quintessential 'old man' figure, worried about the younger generation. His main 'humour' is a touch of melancholy, mixed with a desire for order and proper behaviour. He's easily ruffled by his son's perceived missteps and spends much of the play trying to guide Edward onto a 'better' path. Knowell's worries drive him to spy on his son, leading to many of the play's comic mishaps. His presence offers a contrast to the more volatile and exaggerated personalities of the younger characters. Knowell's concern for his son and his attempts to understand the complexities of youth are the driving force behind many of the play's plot points. He represents a more traditional view of life and values, contrasting with the more modern and free-spirited attitudes of the younger generation, leading to hilarious situations.

Edward Knowell

Edward Knowell is the son, a young man of romantic inclinations and a penchant for poetry. He represents the exuberance and passions of youth. Edward is often seen as the object of his father's concern. He's in love with a woman named Bridget, and much of the play revolves around his pursuit of her and the comedic misunderstandings that arise from his attempts to woo her. Edward's character embodies the 'humour' of romantic idealism. He's prone to flights of fancy and easily influenced by the people around him. His actions are often driven by his emotions and romantic feelings, and these emotions lead him to the chaotic events. Despite his flaws, Edward is ultimately a sympathetic character, representing the trials and tribulations of young love and self-discovery. Edward's character arc is one of youthful exuberance, and his actions drive many of the play's central conflicts and comedic moments.

Brainworm

Brainworm is the servant, a clever and resourceful man who works for Knowell. He's the play's resident trickster and master of disguise. Brainworm's main 'humour' is his cunning and his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage. He is a resourceful and quick-witted servant who navigates the play's various schemes with impressive skill. He expertly employs deception and plays different roles to further his own agenda. He is the primary engine behind several of the play's key plot twists and comic set pieces. Brainworm's skills in disguise and imitation create many humorous situations, and his ability to navigate the complexities of social interactions is a source of continuous entertainment. His presence keeps the play dynamic and unpredictable. His ability to transform himself into different characters is a core element of the comedic narrative.

Kitely

Kitely is the jealous husband, a merchant driven by an irrational jealousy of his wife, Dame Kitely. Kitely embodies the 'humour' of jealousy, making him suspicious and prone to overreactions. His insecurity drives him to constantly monitor his wife's interactions with others. His paranoia leads to some of the play's most farcical moments. He is the quintessential jealous husband, consumed by suspicion and mistrust. His interactions with his wife and others are shaped by his anxieties, leading to many comic mishaps. His character is used to satirize possessiveness and the irrationality of unfounded jealousy. Kitely's behaviour is a source of much amusement, revealing the absurdity of his anxieties, providing a constant source of comedic tension. He becomes a character of constant suspicion.

Dame Kitely

Dame Kitely is the wife, the object of Kitely's jealousy. She is a woman of grace and virtue, wrongly accused of infidelity by her husband. Dame Kitely is the innocent victim of Kitely's unfounded jealousy. She is presented as a woman of good character who is unfairly subjected to her husband's unwarranted suspicions. Her role highlights the absurdity of jealousy and the unfairness of judging others based on unfounded assumptions. Her interactions with other characters and her reactions to her husband's accusations provide a significant source of humour. Dame Kitely's character is a foil to her husband's irrational behavior. She represents the innocence and virtue that is constantly questioned and attacked by Kitely. The audience understands her suffering, and the comedy comes from the irony of Kitely's ridiculous behaviour.

Wellbred

Wellbred is the gallant, a young gentleman who is the nephew of Knowell. He is a character of lively wit and social charm. Wellbred represents the sophisticated and fashionable upper class of the time. He is a character of immense charm, but also one who occasionally finds himself in trouble. He enjoys fine company and witty conversations. He is known for his high spirits and his appreciation for the finer things in life. His presence adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the play's atmosphere. Wellbred’s interactions with other characters create many humorous situations, and his involvement in various schemes keeps the play dynamic and entertaining. He often embodies the epitome of wit, engaging in playful banter and participating in social activities. He enjoys elegant clothes and lively company, representing the fashionable elite of the day.

Bobadill

Bobadill is the swaggering soldier, a braggart and a coward. He is a social climber, always seeking to impress others with his tales of bravery and skill. Bobadill is the quintessential braggart, embodying the 'humour' of boastfulness and cowardice. He is the comedic centerpiece of the play, a character whose inflated sense of self-importance and utter lack of actual courage make him a source of continuous hilarity. His boasts of military prowess are constantly undercut by his cowardice. His interactions with other characters are characterized by exaggerated language and bombastic behavior. He is the character that is almost always involved in a ridiculous scenario. Bobadill's presence serves to satirize those who try to hide their insecurities with false displays of confidence and courage.

Downright

Downright is the frank and honest gentleman, a character who values honesty and straightforwardness above all else. He represents the 'humour' of bluntness and unwavering integrity. Downright is the antithesis of Bobadill. His commitment to honesty leads him to clash with other characters, especially those who are deceitful or pretentious. His direct and often harsh manner creates comedic moments. His unwavering dedication to truth makes him an uncompromising figure. His no-nonsense attitude provides a contrasting perspective to the more exaggerated characters, offering a dose of realism to the comedic atmosphere. Downright's blunt honesty serves to expose the hypocrisy of the other characters, adding a layer of depth to the play's comedic structure.

Matthew

Matthew is the poetaster, a foolish and pretentious poet. He is a sycophant and a social climber, eager to associate with those he perceives as important. Matthew is the embodiment of literary pretension. His character is a comedic take on the aspiring artist. He is a foil to the genuine creativity of others. Matthew’s attempts to impress his companions with his poetic skills are consistently unsuccessful, and his exaggerated language and self-importance make him an object of ridicule. His main goal is to be noticed and admired. His frequent attempts to win approval through flattery and imitation provide many humorous scenes. His inflated self-importance and literary aspirations make him a source of constant laughter. Matthew’s character satirizes the pretensions and superficiality of the aspiring artist.

A Simple Comparison Table

The Enduring Legacy of Every Man in His Humour

Every Man in His Humour remains a cornerstone of comedic literature. It still resonates with modern audiences. The play's success lies in its universality. Its exploration of human nature is both timeless and relevant, still offering a wealth of laughter and insight. Its influence can be seen in countless comedies that followed, and its characters continue to inspire and entertain. The Every Man in His Humour characters, with their quirks and foibles, represent archetypes that we still recognize today. Their exaggerated behaviours and interactions provide a humorous reflection of society. The play remains a testament to Jonson's skill. The characters and themes make this play a brilliant and lasting contribution to English literature.

FAQ

• What is a 'humour' in the context of the play? In Elizabethan times, humours were bodily fluids believed to dictate a person's temperament. The play uses this concept to create characters defined by a dominant trait. A person's behaviour, flaws, and general outlook on life. The play uses this concept to make the characters a caricature.
• How does Jonson use the humours to create comedy? Jonson exaggerates the humours of the characters. The humour and comedy of the play arise from the characters' adherence to these humours and the inevitable social chaos that follows. The play emphasizes the social chaos, generating a comedy of errors and hilarious situations.
• Why are the characters in Every Man in His Humour still relatable? The characters represent timeless human traits, such as jealousy, vanity, and concern. These characters represent universal human experiences. This allows modern audiences to identify with the characters and laugh at their flaws.
• What is the significance of Brainworm in the play? Brainworm is the trickster. He adds a layer of complexity and humor through his quick wit and ability to manipulate situations. He is a key figure. He is a master of disguise. He drives much of the play's plot. His presence creates dynamic and unpredictable situations.
• Where can I find more information about the play and its characters? There are many resources available. You can find scholarly articles, critical essays, and online analyses. You can also find detailed character breakdowns to learn more about the play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Every Man in His Humour is a brilliant exploration of human nature. The play's characters, each driven by their unique 'humour', provide a timeless source of amusement and insight. From the jealous Kitely to the boastful Bobadill, Jonson crafts a cast of unforgettable personalities whose interactions create a rich tapestry of comedic drama. Understanding the 'humours' concept enhances the appreciation of the play's humor. The play is an excellent illustration of the power of comedic writing. Its exploration of human nature still captivates audiences today. The play's enduring appeal and legacy in the world of theatre and literature are unquestionable. So, next time you're looking for a witty and insightful play, remember the unforgettable characters of Every Man in His Humour – they're sure to leave you both laughing and reflecting on the humorous quirks of human life. The Every Man in His Humour characters show that a play can still be entertaining and relevant centuries after its first performance. Go and see this play now!"