Ben Jonson's 'The Devil is an Ass' is a play that feels surprisingly modern in its cynicism. Written in 1616, it's less about spooky supernatural horror and more about the everyday horrors of greed and stupidity.

The Story

The plot kicks off when a minor devil named Pug begs his boss, Satan, for a chance to cause real trouble on Earth. He's sent to London to assist a silly, ambitious man named Fitzdottrel, who dreams of becoming a master at shady business deals. Fitzdottrel is already being manipulated by a smooth-talking con man named Meercraft, who sells him ridiculous get-rich-quick schemes. Pug, the devil, is supposed to be the expert in vice, but he's completely out of his depth. He's constantly baffled by the complex, petty greed of the humans around him. Instead of leading them into sin, he often ends up as their clumsy, unwilling pawn. The play spirals into a comedy of errors involving stolen identities, failed plots, and a devil who just can't keep up.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this play so fun is its flipped script. The supposed agent of evil is the biggest klutz on stage. Jonson's real target isn't the underworld; it's the corrupt world of London financiers and gullible social climbers. The humor comes from watching Pug's frustration as he realizes human trickery is more inventive and ruthless than anything Hell has to offer. Fitzdottrel isn't a tragic figure; he's a vain idiot you love to watch fail, and Meercraft is the kind of slick operator you recognize instantly. It's a play that argues we don't need demons to ruin our lives—we're doing a perfectly good job ourselves.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for readers who enjoy classic satire with real bite, like the works of Molière. It's for anyone who thinks a 400-year-old play can't be relevant or funny. You don't need to be a Shakespeare expert to get it; you just need an appreciation for fools, scoundrels, and the timeless truth that sometimes, the biggest devil is the one inside a greedy human heart. A quick, clever, and deeply cynical delight.