Every Man In His Humour
Every Man In His Humour
Book Brief
106
Play • Fiction
London • Late 16th century
1598
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Every Man In His Humour by Ben Jonson is a 1598 comedy focusing on characters defined by personal obsessions, or "humours," as they navigate a tangled web of misunderstandings and deceptions. The play begins with an old man, Knowell, concerned about his son, Edward, and introduces a variety of other eccentric characters, culminating in a resolution where they are all urged by Justice Clement to rid themselves of their irrational fixations.
Humorous
Contemplative
Playful
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
279 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Every Man In His Humour by Ben Jonson garners praise for its incisive satire and rich characterizations, showcasing Jonson's wit and command of language. However, some critics find the humor dated and the dialogue occasionally dense, making it less accessible for modern audiences. Overall, it's respected for its contribution to early modern comedy and theatrical history.
Who Should Read Every Man In His Humour?
A reader who enjoys Every Man In His Humour by Ben Jonson likely appreciates classic English literature, satire, and early modern drama. This audience may also enjoy works like Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing and Molière's The Misanthrope, where humor and societal critique intertwine.
279 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Every Man In His Humour was first performed by the Lord Chamberlain's Men in 1598, a company featuring a young William Shakespeare as an actor.
The play is notable for being one of Ben Jonson's first major works to establish his reputation as an influential playwright in the Elizabethan era.
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In its original version, the play was set in Italy, but Jonson later revised it, relocating the setting to London to better suit the English audiences of his time.
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106
Play • Fiction
London • Late 16th century
1598
Adult
18+ years
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