The Devil Is an Ass

Benjamin Jonson's career began in 1597 when he held a fixed engagement in ''The Admiral's Men'', and although he was unsuccessful as an actor, his literary talent was apparent and he began writing original plays for the troupe. Jonson had a literary knack for absurdity and hypocrisy, a trait that made him immensely popular in the 17th century Renaissance period. His works are particularly recognizable because of his consistencies in style, intricacy of plot, characterization and setting. ''The Devil is an Ass'' is a mildly satirical play, in which a lesser devil named Pug is allowed by Satan to travel to London and entrap innocent souls. He is surprised, however, when his victims turn out to be more cunning and unscrupulous than expected. Subplots involving scams and deception weave together in this highly comical tale of a group of Londoners making an ass of the Devil.