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