Introduction
1 Shakespearian and Jonsonian Comedy
I.A general view of Shakespearian and Jonsoniancomedy
II.Shakespeare and Jonson in dramatic context
III.Shakespeare and Jonson in historical context
IV.The“rub”of generalization
2 The Theme of Avarice
I.Definition of avarice
II.Praise and prosecution of avarice
III.Historical background of avarice
3 Jonson's and Shakespeare's Dramatic Didacticism
I.Introduction
II.Jonson's didacticism
III.Shakespeare's didacticism
4Characterization in Volpone and The Merchant of Venice
I.Humours and character types
II.The fortune hunters
III.The facilitators
IV.The villains of passions
Conclusion
Works Cited
