Critically comment on the following passages with reference to the context, in not more than 150 words :
"I will have all my beds blown up, not stuft; Down is too hard: and then, mine oval room Fill'd with such pictures as Tiberius took From Elephantis, and dull Aretine But coldly imitated."
This passage is from Ben Jonson's play "Volpone," spoken by the character Volpone. In this context, Volpone is envisioning his ideal luxurious life, filled with indulgence and opulence. He demands that his beds be inflated rather than stuffed, implying that traditional luxury, such as feather-down beds, is too mundane for his tastes. Volpone’s desire for extravagant comfort and his rejection of what others might consider the pinnacle of luxury underscores his excessive nature.
The reference to "mine oval room" filled with pictures that Tiberius took from Elephantis, and which Aretine imitated poorly, serves as a critique of art and cultural appropriation. Elephantis and Aretine were known for their erotic art, and Tiberius, the Roman Emperor, was infamous for his debauchery. By aspiring to own these specific artworks, Volpone aligns himself with historical figures known for their decadence and moral corruption.
Jonson uses this monologue to highlight Volpone's excessive greed and hedonism, contrasting his desires with the moral standards of society. The passage serves as a satirical commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the pursuit of pleasure, reflecting the play's broader themes of greed, deception, and moral decay.