ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The Jew of Malta (full title: The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta) is a play by Christopher Marlowe, written in 1589 or 1590. The plot primarily revolves around a Maltese Jewish merchant named Barabas.

Detailed explanation-2: -Barabas is a Jewish merchant who only cares for his daughter Abigail and his vast personal fortune. When Ferneze appropriates Barabas’s estate to help the government pay Turkish tribute, Barabas is enraged and vows revenge.

Detailed explanation-3: -In the title, he’s the Jew “of Malta.” He belongs to Malta, even if Malta doesn’t want to admit it. And that makes us think that Marlowe is suggesting that Malta is partly to blame for how Barabas is. Maybe Barabas is such a psychotic killer because his status as an outsider has forced him into it.

Detailed explanation-4: -Christopher Marlowe’s fast-moving play The Famous Tragedy of the Rich Jew of Malta, is a tale of violent conflict between Christians, Jews and Turks. Its hero-villain, Barabas a ‘wealthy Jew’, has a cruel but intoxicating desire for money and revenge, but is ultimately punished.

Detailed explanation-5: -Barabas then poisons all three conspirators with the use of a poisoned flower. The action moves quickly in the final act. Bellamira and Pilia-Borza confess Barabas’s crimes to Ferneze, and the murderer is sent for along with Ithamore. Shortly after, Bellamira, Pilia-Borza and Ithamore die.