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When the government seizes the wealth and assets of Barabas, a rich merchant, he becomes obsessed with getting revenge. The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is a complex play with themes of religion, class, and prejudice. With intricate characters, murder schemes, and love stories, this tragedy is gripping and exciting from start to finish.
About the author
English playwright, poet, and translator Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) lived during the Elizabethan period. He was educated at the King's School and afterwards Cambridge University after being born in Canterbury, England. His plays, such as "Tamburlaine the Great," "Doctor Faustus," "The Jew of Malta," and "Edward II," were well-known and ground-breaking at the time they were written. Marlowe's writings often dealt with themes of power, politics, and religion. His literary style was distinguished by his use of blank verse. Marlowe mysteriously passed away at the age of 29 during a scuffle at a London pub in Deptford. Despite having a brief life and career, he made a big contribution to the growth of drama and English literature.
Summary
Set in Malta, a European island off the coast of Italy, The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe follows a rich Jewish merchant, Barabas, who enjoys the privileges that his wealth allows. When the governor of Malta, Ferneze, summons Barabas to his office, Barabas is intrigued and complies immediately. However, when the governor tells Barabas of a deal he is keeping with the Turks, Barabas is appalled. Ferneze demands that Barabas gives up half of his wealth in order to help the government pay tribute to the Turks, but the merchant refuses to cooperate, protesting the injustice. Filled with anger, Ferneze then decides to seize all of Barabas’ assets, including his home. Unable to dispute the decision, Barabas leaves to begin plotting his revenge. First, he is determined to recover the treasure he has hidden around his home, which Ferneze turned into a convent to mock Barabas’ own religious beliefs. After his plan to steal back some of the hidden fortune in his house is successful, Barabas begins to enact his revenge. Using his daughter as a pawn, Barabas promises to marry her to two men. As Barabas continues his cunning scheme to harm Ferneze, a chain of tragedies ensues, involving manipulation, murder, and even the threat of war.
Christopher Marlowe’s The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta was an immediate success following its first performance in 1592. Compelled by the drama, characterization and the complex themes of religion, class, capitalism, and prejudice, audiences have been invested in Marlowe’s tragedy for centuries.
This edition of The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover decision, creating an accessible reading experience. With these accommodations, The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta is restored to modern standards while the original genius and vivid imagery of Marlowe’s work is preserved.
