Bartholomew Fair Overview

A popular four-day summer retreat in London, attracting people from all walks of life, from the wealthy to the poor.

A 16th-century English playwright known for his play "Bartholomew Fair."

A comedy play by Ben Jonson that satirizes various characters and aspects of London society.

The period of English history from 1603 to 1625, during which King James I reigned.

A would-be playwright and notary in Jonson's play, known for his schemes and ambitions.

A wealthy Puritan widow in Jonson's play, involved in romantic pursuits.

A character involved in romantic interest with Dame Purecraft, showcasing Puritan principles.

A commentary on the playwriting itself, sometimes questioning the nature of theatre.

A police officer in the play who criticizes the moral decline of society.

A form of public punishment, a part of the Bartholomew Fair experience.

Winwife abandons Dame Purecraft for Grace Welborn, leading to a conflict with Quarlous.

Quarlous, a supposed friend of Winwife, also desires Grace Welborn, causing a dispute with Winwife over her.

The wives of Mr. Littlewit and Mr. Overdo, without supervision, engage in questionable activities at the fair.

Ursula suffers a hot sausage water burn on her leg due to Mr.Littlewit's carelessness.

Costard's dropped belongings invite others to steal his purse and sword due to his vulnerability.

Mr. Busy is arrested for preaching in the streets without a license, joining Mr. Overdo in confinement.

Trouble-All, a madman, creates chaos, allowing the previously imprisoned people to escape.

The puppet show, led by Lant Leatherhead, depicts characters in inappropriate attire, particularly Mrs. Overdo and Mrs. Littlewit playing prostitutes.

Quarlous impersonates Trouble-All and fabricates a marriage license for himself and Dame Purecraft.

Mr. Overdo, disguised as a doorman, exposes the immorality of the show and reveals his true identity as a police officer, reporting the crimes witnessed at the fair.

A London summer event including a puppet show and public executions

A comedy set at Bartholomew Fair, commenting on London society

A playwright who schemes to gain favor with a wealthy widow

A wealthy widow involved in romantic entanglements at Bartholomew Fair

A character with strong Puritan views seeking Dame Purecraft

A police officer critiquing societal decline, disguised at the fair

Commentary on the play itself, in 'Bartholomew Fair'

A public punishment part of activities held at Bartholomew Fair

Audience criticism based on the price paid for play tickets

Historical period (1603-1625) during King James I reign

Characters often act against their claimed virtues, like Zeal-of-the-Land Busy.

Theft is a recurring theme, affecting characters across social classes.

Men compete for women, prioritizing winning over genuine affection.

Characters constantly deceive each other, seeking superiority.

Disguises are extensively employed in many plot lines.

Winwife abandons Dame Purecraft for Grace Welborn.

Quarlous also wants Grace, creating conflict with Winwife.

Mr. Littlewit and Mr. Overdo's wives act without supervision.

Ursula is burned by hot sausage water due to carelessness.

Costard's dropped belongings lead to theft from vulnerability.

Overdo disguises himself as a fool at the fair to observe and punish sin, but this disguise reveals his own corruption.

The fair showcases excessive indulgence in alcohol, sex, and other pleasures, contrasting with the puritanical values of Jacobean society.

A genre of comedy focusing on lower-class characters in London, often used to create complicated plots.

Littlewit is anxious about securing a proper husband for his mother-in-law, highlighting the play's focus on social pressures.

Quarlous is a witty but immoral character who frequently speaks the truth and enjoys debauchery.

Wasp is a character with a quick temper, warned against by Littlewit.

Jonson uses evocative names (e.g., Littlewit, Overdo) to subtly suggest characters' personalities and flaws.

Bartholomew Fair brings together different social classes, showing how they interact and are affected by the fair's atmosphere.

Overdo's power as a justice figure disappears once he removes his disguise, highlighting the superficiality of social hierarchies.

Quarlous's attempts to deceive others, like forging a marriage license, reflect the play's theme of morality and deceit.