Imitation and Contamination of the Classics in the Comedies of Ben Jonson

This book focuses on the influence of classical authors on Ben Jonsons dramaturgy, with particular emphasis on the Greek and Roman playwrights and satirists. It illuminates the interdependence of the aspects of Jonsons creative personality by considering how classical performance elements, including the Aristophanic Great Idea, chorus, Terentian/Plautine performative strategies, and performative elements from literary satire, manifest themselves in the structuring and staging of his plays. This fascinating exploration contributes to the performative turn in early modern studies by reframing Jonsons classicism as essential to his dramaturgy as well as his erudition. The book is also a case study for how the early modern education systems emphasis on imitative-contaminative practices prepared its students, many of whom became professional playwrights, for writing for a theatre that had a similar emphasis on recycling and recombining performative tropes and structures.