The Jew of Malta
The Jew of Malta
Book Brief
80
Play • Fiction
Malta • 16th century
1589
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe, the wealthy Jewish merchant Barabas faces the loss of his fortune and home due to the Maltese government's forced tribute to the Turks. Seeking revenge, Barabas manipulates Christian suitors against each other, poisons a convent of nuns, and collaborates temporarily with Turkish forces, leading to complex betrayals and fatal retributions. The story includes themes and depictions of religious and ethnic prejudice, murder, and treachery.
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,950 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is noted for its dark humor and complex exploration of themes like greed and revenge. Critics praise its rich, provocative dialogue and intriguing characters, particularly Barabas. However, some find its portrayal of religious and ethnic groups problematic. Overall, it's a compelling, though controversial, Elizabethan drama.
Who Should Read The Jew of Malta?
Readers who relish the dark complexities of characters like in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and Machiavellian themes as in Macbeth will enjoy The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe. Fans of Elizabethan drama and political intrigue will find this play's exploration of power, revenge, and religious tensions compelling.
5,950 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Jew of Malta is often cited as a significant influence on William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, due to its complex portrayal of a Jewish central character.
First performed in 1592, the play reflects the tensions of its time with its depiction of religious and ethnic conflict in 16th-century Malta.
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Christopher Marlowe, who wrote The Jew of Malta, was a contemporary of Shakespeare and is viewed as one of the most important dramatists of the Elizabethan era.
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80
Play • Fiction
Malta • 16th century
1589
Adult
18+ years
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