Cynthia's Revels is popularly known as a satire, given its emphasis on courtly behavior and its lighthearted criticism of courtiers, many of whom are based on historical figures who were in reality quite close to Elizabeth I. However, while Jonson is famous for his satirical plays, Cynthia's Revels is unique in that it takes royalty and royalty-adjacent figures as its central characters. Generally speaking, Jonson is famous for satires that depict working-class or even marginalized members of society. He is even credited with the invention of "city comedy," a genre that dramatizes the goings-on among London's lowest social classes of citizens.
It is important to note, however, that even though Cynthia's Revels offers a satirical look at the court under Elizabeth I, it is not necessarily critical of Elizabeth herself. At the time, dissent against the crown (whether satirical or earnest) would have been met with strict punishment, as it could have constituted treason. Elizabeth I was notorious for her commitment to preserving her seat on the throne, and as such made use of spies and other clandestine efforts to help weed out dissenters, including some playwrights. As such, Jonson is careful to keep the critiques of court relegated to the courtiers themselves. In fact, Cynthia – the allegorical representation of Elizabeth I – is presented as the one powerful force who can help "cleanse" the court of corruption and narcissism.
