Chapter The Alchemist Summaries and Commentary of The Alchemist - Study Guide by Ben Jonson

Act 5. Scene 1

The arrival of Lovewit seems to bring back the normal order of the world with the neighbours gathering round him regaling him with tales of the strange goings on in his home. A world of judgement seems to arrive, free of the inversions of the "republic" within the house. This sense of reordering is quickly destroyed, however, by Lovewit's unexpected reaction. Rather than being angry, he seems somewhat amused, saying, true his name, "I love a teeming wit, as I love my nourishment" (V.i.16). His only concern appears to be that Face has not sold his hangings and bedding. The neighbours continue their reports, but Lovewit remains unflappable and simply seeks some help in breaking the door down.

Act 5. Scene 2

Face swiftly appears at the door before any damage is done. He has shaved off his beard and so the neighbours now recognise him as Jeremy the butler. Obviously improvising, he claims that they had a death from the plague in the house. When Lovewit asks who this was since he had left Face alone, Face replies that it was the cat. In answer to the neighbours' accusations of strange goings-on Face simply denies everything and accuses them of drunkenness. Such is Face's gulling power that they begin to question themselves and doubt creeps into their minds.

All seems to be well, until Mammon and Surly arrive. This throws even Face who is, for the only time in the play, thrown. "How shall I beat them off?" He moans, "Nothing's more wretched than a guilty conscience" (V.ii.47).

Act 5. Scene 3

This scene sees the arrival at Lovewit's door of almost every victim of the impostors, fresh in the knowledge that they have been tricked, and desirous of revenge. The first to seek recompense is Mammon, accompanied by Surly who has informed all of the true nature of the dealings of Face and his accomplices. They demand entrance to the house which is, of course, refused by Lovewit aided by Face who in the guise of Jeremy denies everything. Undeterred, they leave to get a warrant and some officers to force entry. Face, despite his sharp wits, is clearly struggling here as the odds stack up against him. A neighbour recognises Mammon and Surly and just as Face is asserting this neighbours' insanity, Kastril enters, soon followed by Ananias and Tribulation. All are, in their own styles, furious, Ananias crying 'Satan' and Kastril clumsily quarrelling, whilst the neighbours gossip of how they recognise the revengers.

Just as it seems that the situation can get no worse for Face a scream within reveals that Dapper has finally, after two hours, managed to escape the toilet and swallow the gingerbread gag. Face attempts to cover the cry saying it was "Illusions, some spirit o' the air" (V.iii.66), but fails to cover his annoyance when Subtle's voice is also heard and he makes a comment. Lovewit, who is no fool, realises that Face is not being entirely honest with him and asks for "The truth, the shortest way" (V.iii.74). Face has little choice but to tell all and in recompense tempts Lovewit with the promise of "a widow,/ ...that you shall give me thanks for,/ Will make you seven years younger, and a rich one" (V.iii.85-86). Thus a new alliance is forged between Face and Lovewit and the uneasy venture tripartite is finally broken.

Act 5. Scene 4

With Lovewit now in on the game, Face is free to continue his unfinished business, now adding to his list of gulls his previous colleagues, Subtle and Dol. Subtle has been attempting to deal with Dapper and is so relieved to hear that Face has convinced Lovewit that the voices within were but spirits that he calls him "Face so famous, the precious king/ Of present wits" (V.iv.13-14). Little does he realise that Face has turned his cozening arts against him.

With Dol adopting her role as Queen of Faery they conclude the gulling of Dapper who leaves happy in the knowledge that he is to be a successful gambler. It is of note that he, as one of the humbler gulls is spared the terrible knowledge that he has been tricked, something of a blessing, albeit a small one.