Sejanus: His Fall

"Sejanus: His Fall" by Ben Jonson is a tragic play set in ancient Rome, where Aelius Sejanus, a man of great influence, plots a course for ultimate power only to tumble into ruin because of betrayal. We enter a world of political games and the acceptance of being subservient to power in Tiberius's court. The conversations among characters, like Sabinus and Silius, highlight the distrust and dislike toward those who seek power and use flattering words, setting the stage for Sejanus's cunning plans. Sejanus is shown to be a skilled player, building his authority and controlling Tiberius, while misleading others to fulfill his desires. The story hints at the cheating and political moves that will eventually cause his tragic end, revealing Jonson's deep examination of strong ambition, abuse of power, and the moral decay within court life.