Jew of Malta

The Jew of Malta, written around 1590, is a challenging play that explores various genres, including satire, revenge tragedy, melodrama, intrigue, and farce. Set in Malta, it addresses contemporary Elizabethan social tensions, particularly the resentment towards London's merchant foreigners. The play's main character, Barabas, is a wealthy Jew who is victimized by the Christian Governor and loses his wealth, livelihood, and house. In response, he launches a violent course of action, using murderous tactics such as deadly soup and poisoned flowers. The play's treatment of anti-Semitism and its relationship to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice continues to be a subject of scholarly reflection. This new edition of the play is expertly edited with an accompanying introduction that addresses performance, cultural, historical, and interpretive issues, providing valuable commentary and guidance for readers. Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, making them essential for anyone interested in studying this important work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Jew of Malta, written around 1590, is a challenging play for modern audiences. It swings wildly and rapidly in genre, from pointed satire to bloody revenge tragedy to melodramatic intrigue to dark farce and grotesque comedy. Set in the Mediterranean island of Malta, the play evokes contemporary Elizabethan social tensions, particularly the issue of London's much-resented community of resident merchant foreigners. Barabas, the enormously wealthy Jew of the play's title, appears initially victimized by Malta's Christian Governor, who quotes scripture to support the demand that Jews cede their wealth to pay Malta's tribute to the Turks. When he protests, Barabas is deprived of his wealth, his means of livelihood, and his house, which is converted to a nunnery. In response to this hypocritical extortion, Barabas launches a horrific (and sometimes hilarious) course of violence that goes well beyond revenge, using murderous tactics that include everything from deadly soup to poisoned flowers. The play's sometimes complex treatment of anti-Semitism and its relationship to Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice remain matters of continuing scholarly reflection. This new edition is expertly edited with an accompanying introduction that addresses issues of performance, cultural and historical context, interpretation, and the key themes explored by the play. Arden Early Modern Drama editions offer the best in contemporary scholarship, providing a wealth of helpful and incisive commentary and guiding the reader to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the play. This edition provides: A clear and authoritative text Detailed on-page commentary notes A comprehensive, illustrated introduction to the play's historical, cultural, and performance context A glossary of unfamiliar words and phrases A list of characters and their descriptions A timeline of events A bibliography of further reading This edition is essential for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of The Jew of Malta and its enduring relevance to modern audiences.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781904271758