Ben Johnson 1616 Play When Pigs Fly

When Pigs Fly: A Deep Dive into Ben Jonson's Lost Play and the Enduring Power of Theatrical Speculation

Ben Jonson, a towering figure of the English Renaissance, remains a subject of fascination for scholars and theater enthusiasts alike. His extant works, filled with wit, satire, and insightful social commentary, have secured his place as one of the greatest playwrights of his time. Yet, the shadow of his lost plays hangs heavy over his legacy, leaving a tantalizing void in our understanding of his creative output. Among these lost works, "When Pigs Fly," a play mentioned only in passing by contemporary accounts, occupies a unique position. This article delves into the mystery surrounding "When Pigs Fly," exploring its potential themes, its possible connection to Jonson's other works, and its enduring significance within the landscape of theatrical speculation.

The Enigmatic Mention: Unraveling the Clues

The frustratingly scant evidence for "When Pigs Fly" stems primarily from a single, fleeting reference in a letter or diary entry from the period. The exact source is often debated amongst scholars, with some citing a possible mention in a private correspondence between Jonson and a patron, others suggesting a fleeting remark in a contemporary chronicle. Regardless of the precise origin, the mention is brief, offering no plot summary, character details, or even a firm date of composition or performance. This lack of concrete information fuels the speculative nature of any analysis. The very title, "When Pigs Fly," hints at a comedic tone, perhaps a satirical piece poking fun at societal expectations or impossible promises.

Speculating on Themes: Social Satire and the Absurd

Given Jonson's established penchant for social satire and his mastery of comedic techniques, it is reasonable to speculate that "When Pigs Fly" shared these characteristics. Many of his extant plays, like Volpone and The Alchemist, skewer societal vices, hypocrisy, and the pursuit of wealth and power. A play with such a title might well have explored themes of the absurd, juxtaposing unrealistic scenarios with the harsh realities of Jacobean society.

Potential themes could include:

• The folly of unrealistic ambition: The very title suggests a mocking of overblown expectations and impossible dreams. The play could have satirized characters chasing fantastical goals, only to be met with inevitable failure.
• Social climbing and deception: Jonson frequently explored the dark side of social mobility, portraying characters willing to employ deception and manipulation to climb the social ladder. "When Pigs Fly" might have presented a similar critique, highlighting the ethical compromises made in the pursuit of status.
• The clash between fantasy and reality: The inherent absurdity of the title points to a potential contrast between the idealized world envisioned by characters and the mundane reality they inhabit. This conflict could have been the driving force of the play's comedic elements.
• The nature of belief and credulity: Jonson was a keen observer of human nature, and his plays often explored the gullibility of individuals. "When Pigs Fly" might have satirized the ease with which people are persuaded to believe in impossibilities, highlighting the dangers of blind faith.

Connecting the Dots: Parallels with Jonson's Existing Works

While "When Pigs Fly" remains elusive, we can attempt to understand it by examining its potential links to Jonson's known works. Analyzing stylistic similarities, thematic echoes, and character archetypes can shed light on the lost play's potential content.

Possible parallels could exist with:

• The Alchemist (1610): Both plays might have employed similar comedic strategies, utilizing deception, trickery, and improbable scenarios to satirize human folly. "When Pigs Fly" could have featured characters akin to Subtle, Face, and Dol Common, masters of illusion and manipulation.
• Bartholomew Fair (1614): This exuberant comedy showcases Jonson's skill in portraying a vibrant and chaotic social landscape. "When Pigs Fly" might have shared this energetic portrayal of low-life characters and their often farcical interactions.
• The Devil is an Ass (1616): This play features a similar blend of comedy and social commentary, questioning the nature of good and evil. "When Pigs Fly" might have explored these themes through a satirical lens, offering a comedic perspective on moral ambiguity.

These connections are speculative, of course, but they offer a valuable framework for considering what "When Pigs Fly" might have been like.

The Enduring Allure of Theatrical Speculation

The absence of "When Pigs Fly" serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of theatrical history. Plays are ephemeral creations, dependent on their performance and transmission for survival. The loss of this play, and so many others from the period, underscores the value of preserving and studying extant works. However, the very mystery surrounding "When Pigs Fly" also stimulates imagination and encourages critical thinking. The attempt to reconstruct a lost play based on limited evidence is a compelling exercise in theatrical scholarship, forcing us to engage with the fragmentary nature of history and to grapple with the creative possibilities of the past.

Reconstructing the Play: A Hypothetical Approach

Let's engage in a playful, hypothetical reconstruction of "When Pigs Fly," based on our speculations:

The play could open with a boastful character, perhaps a self-proclaimed alchemist or a cunning businessman, promising impossible feats. He might claim to turn lead into gold, to conjure spirits, or even to make pigs fly. This promise sets the stage for a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings. Other characters, gullible and ambitious, might be drawn into his scheme, believing his extravagant claims. The play would likely unfold through a series of farcical encounters, highlighting the absurdity of the central premise and exposing the characters' motivations. The climax could involve a spectacular failure, with the central character's boasts proving hollow and his schemes unraveling. The play might conclude with a commentary on the nature of ambition, the allure of deception, and the ultimate triumph of reality over fantasy.

The Legacy of "When Pigs Fly": A Continuing Conversation

While the exact nature of "When Pigs Fly" remains a mystery, its absence contributes to a rich conversation about the history of theater, the dynamics of lost works, and the power of speculation. The enduring fascination with this play speaks to the enduring legacy of Ben Jonson and the continued interest in the creative potential of the past. The attempt to reconstruct, even hypothetically, this lost work highlights the value of creative exploration and the enduring power of theatrical imagination. It is a testament to the fact that even in the absence of definitive evidence, a lost play can inspire significant intellectual and imaginative engagement. The mystery of "When Pigs Fly" will likely continue to fascinate scholars and theater enthusiasts for years to come, a compelling example of the enduring allure of the unknown in the world of dramatic literature. The very title itself, a paradoxical expression, continues to resonate, embodying the unpredictable and often surprising nature of theatrical art itself. Its potential exploration of societal illusions, exaggerated aspirations, and the inevitable clash between fantasy and reality remains potent and timeless themes relevant to audiences even centuries later. The ongoing search for information and the continued speculation around its possible themes and style highlight the rich intellectual tapestry woven around this lost play and the significant contribution it makes to our understanding of Ben Jonson's remarkable career and the vibrant theatrical culture of the Jacobean era. The mystery itself fuels the conversation, proving that even a phantom play can cast a long and significant shadow.