Summary and Analysis
Act II:
Scene 7
Summary
Corvino summons his wife, who enters blubbering. The raven disclaims all jealousy and commands Celia to dress in her best attire; they are going to a feast at Volpone's house. There, predicts Corvino, "it shall appear how far I am free from jealousy or fear."
Analysis
Corvino persuades his wife that he is not the typical Italian gentleman. He is not jealous, and he will cuckold himself to prove it! It is a delicious piece, and, best of all, the ironic gull is unaware of the irony!
The second action of Act II is complete. The suspense begins to mount as the complications follow quickly, one upon the other. The audience is aware that Mosca is now in control of Volpone's fate. In such a position of power and with the possibility of sharing his master's gold, will the servant be satisfied with the leavings from Volpone's table? Remember, Mosca is a parasite, a servant, a man without hope of advancement. His only delight is to mock his social superiors. He has not displayed any greedy tendencies because there was no hope of fulfilling his desires. Celia may yet prove to be the foil by which Mosca can attain mastery of his master.