Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

Voltore is shown into the sick room. Volpone puts on an act that he is very ill and appreciative of Voltore's visit. Volpone thanks him for his gift, a large piece of gold plate. Volpone tells Voltore he fears he will not last long. As Mosca shows Voltore out, he tells him that he is certain he is Volpone's heir. Mosca leads Voltore to believe he is Volpone's favorite, because Volpone admires lawyers for their cunning. Mosca begs Voltore to show him mercy and to take him in when Volpone finally dies. When they hear a knock at the door, Mosca hurries Voltore out of the door. Volpone is quick to praise Mosca for his convincing job deceiving Voltore, but Mosca stills him to let in Corbaccio, an elderly gentleman.

Act 1, Scene 3 Analysis

This scene begins to establish the theme of...