The Jew of Malta

About The Jew of Malta

Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta," written around 1590, is a compelling and often controversial Elizabethan drama set on the Mediterranean island of Malta. This classic play masterfully shifts between pointed satire, bloody revenge tragedy, melodramatic intrigue, and dark farce, offering a complex exploration of social tensions and morality. The story centers on Barabas, an immensely wealthy Jewish merchant, who is initially victimized by Malta's Christian Governor. When Barabas protests the demand for Jews to cede their wealth to pay tribute to the Turks, he is stripped of his fortune and livelihood. In response to this hypocritical extortion, Barabas embarks on a horrific, yet sometimes darkly humorous, campaign of violence and revenge, employing murderous tactics ranging from poisoned soup to deadly flowers. Marlowe's play delves into themes of anti-Semitism, religious hypocrisy, and the corrupting nature of power, making it a significant work in English literature. Its intricate treatment of these issues continues to spark scholarly reflection, particularly in relation to Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice."

Key Details

• Author: Christopher Marlowe
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
• Format: Paperback, 340 pages
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• ISBN: 9781904271758

Order from BookClub.com.mt — Malta and Gozo's online bookstore.