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
Subtle enters disguised as a “Priest of Fairy.” He asks if Dapper is fasting and if he performed the ceremony as directed. Dapper confirms he has, and Subtle says that Dapper must wear a special petticoat to meet the “Fairy Queen.” Dapper agrees, and Subtle and Face dress him in a petticoat and blindfold him with a rag. They insist he must empty his pockets, as he can have nothing of value when he meets the Fairy Queen. Dapper begins throwing out all his money, as well as his jewelry and rings, and Doll enters playing a cittern.
This scene proves how truly gullible Dapper is, as he believes Face and Subtle when they claim he must wear a petticoat to meet the Fairy Queen. Dapper is so gullible and intent on riches that he is willing to humiliate himself just to get his “familiar” and win at cards and gambling. Of course, this all just a diversion so they can rob Dapper.
Themes
Face tells a blindfolded Dapper that the Fairy Queen’s elves have arrived. Face says the Queen’s elves have come to pinch Dapper until he has given up all his money, and then Face, Doll, and Subtle begin pinching him all over. They chant “Ti ti, ti ti to ta” as they pinch him, and he finally admits to a half-crown of gold around his wrist. Suddenly, Doll goes to the window and looks out. Sir Epicure Mammon is at the door, she says. Subtle and Face panic; they cannot send Mammon away.
Dapper easily believes that he is being shaken down by elves, which again proves his gullibility and willingness to believe anything. Face and Subtle panic at Mammon’s arrival because they obviously can’t pull off two scams at once, and they don’t want to give up the money they might be able to con out of Mammon by sending him away.
Themes
Subtle tells Dapper that he will soon meet the Fairy Queen, but she is taking her dinner just now; however, she has sent Dapper a dead mouse and a piece of gingerbread from her plate. Subtle stuffs a large piece of gingerbread into Dapper’s mouth and gags him with a rag, then he looks to Face and Doll. Subtle asks where they should put Dapper; he can’t be seen or heard while Doll entertains Mammon. Doll suggests they lock him in the privy, so they shove him in the bathroom and return to the front door, where Face happily greets Mammon.
Again, it is completely ridiculous that Dapper believes what is happening to him. Subtle’s explanation is ridiculous, as is gagging Dapper with rag and a cookie, but Dapper completely falls for it. Jonson’s play is a satire and comedy, and Face, Subtle, and Doll gagging Dapper and shoving him in the bathroom is very funny.
Themes
