The Alchemist: Act 1, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

“Captain, I am here,” Dapper says, addressing Face. Face welcomes him and says he is glad to see him. Dapper claims he nearly didn’t make it; he lent his watch the night before to someone who “dines today at the sheriff’s.” Subtle enters wearing an alchemist’s robes. Dapper asks Face if Subtle is the “cunning man” and doctor, and Face assures him that Subtle is indeed a “cunning man” and doctor. Subtle asks Face if he has already spoken with Dapper about the matter, and Face claims he has. Dapper interrupts and promises he will be most grateful, but Subtle isn’t convinced.

Face asks Subtle what he is so afraid of, and Subtle says that he fears Dapper will draw him to “apparent danger.” Face asks if Subtle means to say that he fears a “horse draw” and “halter,” and Subtle confirms he does. Face and Dapper tell Subtle to have no such worries. Dapper is no cheat, Face says, and no one is planning to “tell the Vicar.” Subtle argues that if he does give Dapper a “familiar,” he will be able to win any game he plays. Face assures Subtle he is wrong. Dapper only asks for “cups, and horses, / A rifling fly,” but Dapper corrects him. Dapper wants a “familiar” for every game. 

Subtle is smug. See, he says to Face, it is just as he suspected. Face is shocked. Dapper said he only wanted a familiar to help with games on Friday nights, or the occasional bet after work. Yes, Dapper says, but now he is thinking that he will leave the law and wants a familiar to cover all the games. This changes everything, Face says, looking to Subtle. Subtle takes Face to the side. Dapper, Subtle says, is loved by the “Fairy Queen,” and he is very lucky. Dapper overhears and again promises that he will be very grateful and will split his winnings with Subtle and Face.

Face tries to convince Subtle to give Dapper the “familiar.” Dapper could leave here tonight, Face says, and win 5,000 pounds. With half, they would be rich, too. Yes, Dapper agrees, he can make them very rich indeed. Face tells Dapper that he was born under a “rare star” and is connected to the Fairy Queen. Dapper was born with a “caul,” Face says, and Dapper hands him money. Face looks to Subtle and asks him when Dapper will have his “familiar.” Dapper is confused. Doesn’t he get it now, he asks. No, Subtle responds. A “familiar” requires a complicated ritual; it isn’t just handed over. Dapper must first be “bathed and fumigated,” and the Fairy Queen doesn’t get up until the afternoon. 

The Fairy Queen must bless the “familiar,” Subtle says. Suddenly, there is a knock at the door. Subtle turns to Face and quietly tells him to see Dapper out the back door, and then Subtle turns to Dapper. Dapper must fast, Subtle says, and place three drops of vinegar in his nose, two in his mouth, and one in each ear. Then, Dapper must wash the tips of his fingers and his eyes, “hum” and “buzz” three times, and then return. Subtle turns and leaves the room. Face asks Dapper if he can remember all that, and Dapper assures him that he can. As Face walks Dapper to the back door, he reminds him to put on a clean shirt, too.