Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Alchemist, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Alchemy and Transformation
Religion
Sex and Greed
Deception and Gullibility
Summary
Analysis
Dapper enters, and Face tells him that Subtle is inside. Although it was difficult, Face says, he has convinced Subtle to give Dapper the “familiar.” Suddenly, Drugger enters with Kestrel. Kestrel has come to see Subtle, and Drugger has more tobacco for Subtle, too. Face asks where Dame Pliant is, and Drugger promises she will be along soon. Kestrel asks where the doctor is; Drugger has told him all about his skills. Face tells Kestrel that Subtle can teach him all about quarrelling and wits, and he can teach him to be successful at cards and gaming.
Kestrel doesn’t initially bring Dame Pliant with him, which suggests he is potentially checking out Subtle and Face as potential matches for his sister. Subtle has Drugger, and now Kestrel, so conned, that they bring him tobacco and women. They are both gullible, and since they believe they can get something from Subtle, they will give him whatever they have to get it.
Themes
Face points to Dapper as an example for Kestrel. Dapper will soon meet with Subtle and be “initiated,” and afterward, he will have nothing but luck and be rich within two weeks. Kestrel can’t believe it and asks Face if he is tricking him. Absolutely not, Face says, swearing on his life. Kestrel asks if the doctor will teach him such things, and Face says he can do more than that. Subtle can conjure “familiars” to give Kestrel an edge. Kestrel asks if Subtle is really that powerful, and Drugger promises he is. Drugger once had a headache and Subtle sent him to see a woman, and she cured it. Kestrel says he must send his sister, Dame Pliant, to meet the good doctor.
Face is completely conning Kestrel and Dapper here. Dapper will soon be “initiated,” which means he is about to meet the Fairy Queen and have his familiar blessed, and Face implies that Subtle can do the same for Kestrel. This offer certainly appeals to Kestrel’s greed, and it has him thinking that Subtle may be the better match for Dame Pliant.
Themes
Kestrel tells Drugger to go and fetch Dame Pliant, but Face informs Kestrel that Subtle is busy right now. He suggests Kestrel go with Drugger to get Dame Pliant and come back; Subtle will be done with his business by then. Kestrel agrees and leaves with Drugger. Then, Face turns to Dapper and asks him if he has performed the ceremony as directed. Yes, Dapper confirms, and he put on a clean shirt. Dapper gives Face more money, and Subtle enters.
Again, Dapper is exceedingly gullible and has completed the silly ceremony with the vinegar. Subtle isn’t really busy, Face just wants Kestrel and Drugger to believe he is, so they are free to work their Fairy Queen con on Dapper. Multiple victims showing up at once complicate Face and Subtle’s plans, and this happens more and more as the play progresses.
Themes
