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
Lovewit enters with several neighbors, who are telling him there has been a steady stream of people coming and going from his house since he left for the country. Lovewit says it is strange that his butler should let so many people into his house, and he begins to worry that he has been robbed. He asks the neighbors if anyone has seen his butler, Jeremy, but they all say they have not seen him in several weeks. Lovewit knocks, but Jeremy does not come to the door. He hears a scream from inside, and the neighbors tell him to knock again before breaking down the door.
Face’s neighbors appear to be just as gullible as his victims, as they failed to recognize him as Jeremy once he grew a beard and transformed into Face. In this way, Face deceives his victims, Lovewit, and his neighbors. This widespread deception reflects the widespread deception present in broader society, which, Jonson argues, puts everyone at risk of being tricked in one way or another.
Themes
