Less Sly vs. More Sly

Attribute	Less Sly	More Sly
Deception	Uses deception sparingly	Uses deception frequently
Intelligence	Less intelligent	More intelligent
Manipulation	Less manipulative	More manipulative
Subtlety	Less subtle	More subtle

Introduction

Less Sly and More Sly are two characters from the play "Volpone" by Ben Jonson. They are both servants to the main character, Volpone, but they have very different personalities and attributes. In this article, we will compare and contrast the traits of Less Sly and More Sly to better understand their roles in the play.

Physical Appearance

Less Sly is described as a "simpleton" in the play, with a more naive and innocent appearance. He is often portrayed as clumsy and slow-witted, with a tendency to make mistakes. On the other hand, More Sly is depicted as more cunning and sly, with a sharper appearance and a quick wit. He is often seen as the more intelligent of the two servants, able to think on his feet and come up with clever solutions to problems.

Personality

Less Sly is known for his honesty and loyalty to Volpone, often following his master's orders without question. He is easily manipulated by others and tends to believe what he is told. More Sly, on the other hand, is more independent and self-serving. He is willing to deceive others in order to achieve his own goals and is not afraid to manipulate situations to his advantage.

Relationship with Volpone

Less Sly has a more subservient relationship with Volpone, often acting as a pawn in his master's schemes. He is loyal to Volpone to a fault, even when it means going against his own morals. More Sly, on the other hand, has a more equal relationship with Volpone. He is able to see through Volpone's manipulations and is not afraid to challenge his master when necessary.

Role in the Play

Less Sly serves as a foil to More Sly, highlighting the differences between the two characters. His innocence and naivety provide a stark contrast to More Sly's cunning and deceit. Less Sly's mistakes often lead to comedic moments in the play, while More Sly's actions drive the plot forward and add tension to the story.

Motivations

Less Sly's motivations are simple and straightforward - he wants to please his master, Volpone, and will do whatever it takes to make him happy. More Sly, on the other hand, is motivated by self-interest and a desire for personal gain. He is willing to betray others in order to achieve his own goals, even if it means sacrificing his loyalty to Volpone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Less Sly and More Sly are two contrasting characters in the play "Volpone" with distinct personalities and attributes. While Less Sly is portrayed as naive and loyal, More Sly is depicted as cunning and self-serving. Their interactions with each other and with Volpone help to drive the plot forward and add depth to the story. By examining the differences between Less Sly and More Sly, we can gain a better understanding of the themes and messages of the play.