The Alchemist
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
The Dedication The Argument Prologue Act 1, Scene 1 Act 1, Scene 2 Act 1, Scene 3 Act 1, Scene 4 Act 2, Scene 1 Act 2, Scene 2 Act 2, Scene 3 Act 2, Scene 4 Act 2, Scene 5 Act 2, Scene 6 Act 3, Scene 1 Act 3, Scene 2 Act 3, Scene 3 Act 3, Scene 4 Act 3, Scene 5 Act 4, Scene 1 Act 4, Scene 2 Act 4, Scene 3 Act 4, Scene 4 Act 4, Scene 5 Act 4, Scene 6 Act 4, Scene 7 Act 5, Scene 1 Act 5, Scene 2 Act 5, Scene 3 Act 5, Scene 4 Act 5, Scene 5
Themes
All Themes Alchemy and Transformation Religion Sex and Greed Deception and Gullibility
Quotes
Characters
All Characters Face / Jeremy the Butler Subtle Doll Common Sir Epicure Mammon Dapper Ananias Surly / The Spaniard Kestrel Tribulation Wholesome Dame Pliant Abel Drugger Lovewit
Symbols
All Symbols The Philosopher’s Stone
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The Alchemist

by

Ben Jonson
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The Alchemist Symbols

The Philosopher’s Stone

Throughout The Alchemist, Ben Jonson makes repeated references to the philosopher’s stone—an alchemical substance that is said to transform base metals like copper and tin into gold and silver and also produce the elixir…

read analysis of The Philosopher’s Stone

The Philosopher’s Stone Symbol Icon
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