The Jew of Malta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Jew of Malta |
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Title page, 1633 first edition
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| Written by | Christopher Marlowe |
| Characters | Barrabas |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Tragedy |
| Setting | Malta |
The Jew of Malta is an exciting play written by Christopher Marlowe. He was a famous English writer. We don't know exactly where Marlowe got the idea for this story. Maybe it was an old tale, or perhaps he learned about life in London during his time.
The play was first printed in 1633. But it was likely written much earlier, around 1588.
Contents
About the Story
The story of The Jew of Malta follows a character named Barabas. He is a rich merchant living on the island of Malta. The play starts with Barabas facing a big problem. The government of Malta decides to take money from all the Jewish people living there. This makes Barabas very angry.
Barabas's Journey
Barabas is a very clever and tricky character. At first, he is shown as a deep and interesting person. He tries to get back at those who wronged him. His actions become more and more extreme as the story goes on. He uses many clever plans to get what he wants.
The Play's Style
Some people who study plays think the first part of The Jew of Malta is very strong. They feel that Barabas's character is well-developed at the beginning. However, they believe the later parts of the play change. Barabas becomes more like a typical bad guy you might see on stage. This might be because Marlowe wrote the play quickly.
Malta's History
The play is set on the island of Malta. This island was a very important place long ago. It was a key location for trade and battles.
The Great Siege
Marlowe might have been inspired by a real historical event. This event was the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. During this siege, a large battle took place on the island. It was a big conflict between different groups. This historical background adds to the play's setting.
Images for kids
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Lifting of the Siege of Malta (Charles-Philippe Larivière, c. 1842). Marlowe was inspired by the great Christian–Muslim conflict of the 1565 Great Siege of Malta.
