The Jew of Malta

Jew of Malta, The (The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta)

    Author: Christopher Marlowe (with other author/s/)

    First Performance: c.1589, London

    Published: 1633

    Genre: Com. in 5 acts; blank verse

    Setting: Barabas's house and other locations on Malta, 16th c.

    Cast: 16m, 5f, extras

The play is introduced by Machiavel(li). The Governor of Malta is under pressure by the Turks to pay tribute money. He therefore orders that half the wealth of the Jews should be seized. When a rich Jew, Barabas, protests, all his possessions are confiscated, and his home is turned into a nunnery. Seeking revenge, Barabas orders his daughter Abigail to become engaged to the Governor's son, Lodowick, and also to her beloved, Mathias. Playing on their mutual jealousy, Barabas gets his rascally servant to deliver forged...

[The entire page is 386 words long]

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