Themes of The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe

 

INTRODUCTION:

Christopher Marlowe was a playwright and poet of the English Renaissance. Known by his four great tragedies, Marlowe became the master teacher of William Shakespeare in matters of writing poignant and tragic plays. Power, materialism, revenge, conflict between good and evil, material pleasures etc. are some of the common themes found in his plays.

‘The Jew of Malta’ by Christopher Marlowe is a remarkable play that can be classified as a revenge tragedy. It presents the themes of revenge, greed, and betrayal, all set against a backdrop of religious conflict and prejudice.

The Jew of Malta is a complex and multi-layered play that explores a wide range of themes. It is a play that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it continues to be relevant today. Let’s discuss the major themes of the play.

 

1.  Revenge:

Barabas's desire for revenge is evident from the very beginning of the play. He is furious when his wealth is seized by Ferneze, and he vows to get revenge on him and his family. He plans to kill Ferneze and his son Lodowick. Upon his daughter’s conversion to Christianity too, he decides to take revenge and accordingly plans to kill all the nuns including his own daughter. Mark his words full of revenge:

 

“As for myself, I walk abroad a-nights

And kill sick people groaning under walls;

Sometimes I go about and poison wells.”

Barabas, Act 2, Scene 3

 

“Nay, let 'em combat, conquer, and kill all,

So they spare me, my daughter, and my wealth.”

(Barabas, Act 1, Scene 1)

 

Barabas's revenge is ultimately successful, but it also leads to his own downfall.

 

2.  Greed:

Barabas was a greedy jew and never wanted to part with his wealth. He wanted to collect “Infinite riches in a little room”. His greed is evident in his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He is willing to cheat, lie, and even kill in order to get what he wants. Barabas's greed ultimately leads to his downfall, as it blinds him to the dangers that he is facing.

 

3.   Ambition:

Barabas like Doctor Faustus is an ambitious man who is always looking for ways to increase his power and wealth. He is willing to take risks and to step on others in order to achieve his goals. Barabas's ambition ultimately leads to his downfall, as it makes him reckless and careless.

 

4.   Religious Hypocrisy:

The religious hypocrisy in the play is evident in the way that the Christians treat Barabas. They are quick to judge and condemn him, even though they themselves are guilty of greed, corruption, and violence. The religious hypocrisy in the play suggests that religion can be used to justify all sorts of evil, and that it is often used as a tool of oppression. Read these words:

 

“A counterfeit profession is better

Than unseen hypocrisy.”

Barabas, Act 1, Scene 2

 

5.   The Outsider:

Barabas is an outsider in the society of Malta. He is a Jew, and he is therefore seen as a threat by the Christians. The play explores the challenges faced by outsiders, and it shows how they can be accused and marginalized.

 

CONCLUSION:

Thus, Christopher Marlowe has presented in ‘The Jew of Malta’ the ideas of revenge, greed, ambition and religious hypocrisy and conflicts which were commonly found in Elizabethan drama.

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