"Wither, wither/ Is shame fled human breasts?... Is that, which ever was a cause for life,/ Now placed beneath the basest circumstance?/ And modesty an exile made for money?" This is the strongest statement of the play's philosophy. Knowing that Jonson put these words into the mouth of Celia proves what a vital role she plays in portraying his moral message.
Whilst protagonist Volpone, a hedonist, indulges in as many pleasures as possible, often pursuing them vigorously. Celia is the exact antithesis. Her self-denial and self-restraint make her a perfect foil for Volpone as she expose…
