Do you agree that the three classical unities of time, space and action have been observed properly in the Alchemist? ‘Explain [British Drama]

The three classical unities of time, space, and action are fundamental principles of classical drama that were established by Aristotle in his "Poetics". These unities dictate that a play should take place within a single day, in a single location, and should have a unified action or plot.

In the play "The Alchemist" by Ben Jonson, some argue that these unities are observed properly, while others argue that they are not. Those who argue in favor of the unities argue that the play takes place within a single day, in the single location of Lovewit's house, and that the action of the play is unified around the schemes of the alchemists and their attempt to con their victims.

On the other hand, those who argue against the unities argue that the play does not adhere strictly to the unities of time and space. The play contains elements of fantasy and the supernatural, with the characters engaging in alchemical experiments and other fantastical activities. The play also contains several subplots that take place outside of Lovewit's house, and the action of the play is not always tightly unified around the schemes of the alchemists.

In conclusion, whether or not the three classical unities of time, space, and action are properly observed in "The Alchemist" is a matter of interpretation and debate. Some argue that the play adheres to these unities, while others argue that it deviates from them, particularly in regards to the unities of time and space. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether the play satisfies the classical unities, and to what extent it deviates from them.