The Dynamic Duo in Volpone :: Volpone

The Dynamic Duo in Volp one and only(a)     While Mosca and Volpone, the dynamic duo in this play, share many similarities, they are take over different enough to compliment oneanother. On one hand, both shares are alike in that they share acommon lust for deceit, make their living by tricking others. They takedelight in conjuring up and performing elaborate schemes in order to foolpeople. This becomes a game for the twain of them, which they both enjoyplaying immensely. Perhaps the common love of this game is what knitsVolpones heart so tightly to Moscas. On the other hand, Mosca seems to be a itty-bitty sharper and wittierthan Volpone. Where Volpone tends to be slightly dull or slow, Moscamakes up for his lack by being ingenious for him. For example, in act 3.4,Volpone boils in frustration because he cannot successfully persuade ortrick Lady Would-be into leaving his presence. He attempts to make herleave several times, but is ineffective. Finally, at the height of hisdespair, Mosca walks in, and with one breath, comes up with a brilliant falsehood that sends Lady Would-be running out the door. This unfailingability of Moscas to invent schemes while under pressure is what makeshim so useful to Volpone and keeps the duo together. Moscas quickthinking compliments Volpones slow wit. Another characteristic that Mosca possesses in abundance thatVolpone does not necessarily have is the ability to flatter. throughout the play, Mosca displays a clever abilityto play off of other peoples pride by inflating their egos so that theywill be consumed with their own vanity. Then, once the other someone hashis eyes solely on himself, he is vulnerable to fall for any scheme ofMoscas. This tricky character plays this game of flattery with almostevery character in the play, including Volpone. Because Volpone is not witty enough to see that his side-kicktreats him with the same craftiness that he uses on the clients, he is