The Jew of Malta Summary

The Jew of Malta is a Jacobean revenge tragedy written by English dramatist Christopher Marlowe. Set in the 16th century on the Mediterranean Island of Malta, the play follows the machinations of its main character, Barabas, a wealthy yet vengeful Jewish merchant. At the beginning of the play, Barabas is the wealthiest man in Malta but is soon betrayed and exposed to the wrath of both the Maltese government and the Catholic Church.

Barabas is forced to convert to Christianity by the new Governor of Malta, which enrages him and drives him to seek revenge. After his conversion, he plots Machiavellian schemes to ruin his enemies and the city. During his revenge-plotting, Barabas is aided by his daughter Abigail, with whom he has a complex relationship. As Barabas' plots thicken, they change allegiances and trap more people until the whole city of Malta is drawn into his web of vengeance. In the end, Barabas succeeds in destroying his foes, but not without suffering losses along the way and without finding genuine satisfaction.

The main themes of The Jew of Malta include religious conflict, anti-Semitism, and revenge. In the play, the conflict between Christians and Jews is expressed through Barabas' interactions with the Governor of Malta and with the Christian Friar Jacomo. This conflict is further illuminated by Barabas' strained relations with his daughter, Abigail, who has converted to Christianity, and the play's imagery frequently compares Jews to spiders or serpents. Marlowe also uses anti-Semitism to create tension between characters and draw attention to religious prejudice and intolerance themes.

The play is also preoccupied with the theme of revenge, which is central to Barabas' motivations and drives the plot. Barabas systematically destroys the lives of those who have wronged him, including killing his daughter, Abigail, to get his revenge. The play equates revenge with justice, implying that Barabas' vindictive actions are morally acceptable.

The Jew of Malta is a seminal piece of Jacobean Revenge Tragedy. It is essential not just for its themes but also for the spectacle it provides. Marlowe's play features imaginative special effects, though it is sometimes criticized for its implausible ending; its vivid settings and dialogue leave the audience in awe. Spanning the tragedy, revenge drama, and comedy genres, The Jew of Malta is an exciting watch and a valuable addition to the English Renaissance Canon.

The Jew of Malta is a Renaissance-era play by Christopher Marlowe, first performed in 1589 at the Rose Theatre in London. The play is a revenge tragedy set in the Mediterranean city of Malta, where a Jewish merchant named Barabas is plotting revenge against a group of people who have wronged him. It is a dark, tragic, and often violent play exploring Judaism, Christianity, and social justice issues.

The play begins with Barabas reflecting on his misfortunes. Christian merchants robbed him of his wealth, and his daughter, Abigail, was taken away from him and converted to Christianity. As the story progresses, Barabas plots to exact revenge on his enemies. He manipulates a Christian aristocrat, Don Lodowick, to propose marriage to Abigail. When this fails, he arranges for the assassination of Don Lodowick and the Governor of Malta. He then bribes a group of Muslim pirates to plunder Malta. Ultimately, the Governor's son, Ferneze, can foil his plans, and Ferneze's men kill Barabas.

Throughout the play, Marlowe plays with the concept of Christianity and Judaism, exploring the social implications of being Jewish in a predominantly Christian environment. Barabas is portrayed as an ambitious, calculating, and resourceful man, but he is also a man of deep religious faith. He is determined to avenge the wrongs done to him and his people, but at the same time, he is guided by his Jewish principles. He follows the laws of Moses, observes the major holidays, and uses his religious beliefs as a source of strength and guidance. His conflict with Christianity is seen within this context - that of a man searching for justice.

The play has memorable characters that stand for both good and evil. Don Lodowick is an unfortunate young man Barabas manipulates to propose to Abigail. He is a foil to the Jewish merchant, representing both the ideal and the danger in Christian society. Ferneze is the play's hero, a brave and righteous leader determined to bring justice to Malta, regardless of personal cost. Ithamore is Barabas' loyal servant, who follows his master's orders without question and ultimately pays the price for his loyalty.

The play's villain, Barabas, is a complex character motivated by ambition and greed. He is determined to use any means necessary to maintain his power and wealth, even destroying innocent people. In his mind, justice is a relative concept, and he will do whatever is necessary to achieve his goals. At the same time, his Jewish faith gives him guidance and strength, keeping him focused and determined in his quest for revenge.

The play explores the issues of Christian-Jewish relations and religious intolerance. While Barabas is the prime example of the struggle of the Jews to survive in a Christian environment, he is also a reminder of the danger posed by religious hatred. Throughout the play, he is forced to defend himself against an environment of hatred and resentment, a theme that resonates with audiences in all periods.

The play is a dark and often violent exploration of man's capacity for evil and how religious intolerance can lead to hatred and brutality. The character of Barabas, a Jewish merchant determined to exact revenge, stands as a complex representation of man's struggle for justice in a hostile environment. Through this story, Marlowe attempts to illustrate the consequences of a divided religious society and how intolerance can have far-reaching consequences. Overall, The Jew of Malta is a powerful and moving commentary on social justice and the triumph of good over evil.