Introductory
The Jew of Malta is a tragic story of a Jew, living in Malta. This play appeared in 1592 during Elizabethan Era. That is why this play marks its appearance as a protestor (representator) of Elizabethan Morality. The story revolves around Barabas, the most wealthy Jew in Malta whose wealth is confiscated by the Christians. So, religion, hypocrisy, Machiavellianism, policies, avarice and justice intensify their existence as important themes of the play.
Policy
We know policy different but in Elizabethan Era, this word meant a subtle intrigue. Barabas is seen using this word throughout his play when he is planning something harmful. Barabas can easily guess that it is the policy of the Maltese government to take a hold of Barabas' ships, house and bags 'brimful' of money because they might use this wealth to pay the tribute which has been left unpaid for almost 10 years. Barabas devices his daughter, "Be ruled by me." to receive his hard-earned wealth back. From reclaiming his bags to poisoning his "second half", Ithamore, Barabas makes the best use of his policy. Manifestly, a policy is a soft-sounding version of self-interest.
Greed
Lust for money and shiny wealth is a humanly virtue which is seen in its abundance in the particular play. The soul of Machiavelli gives us a hint in the prologue that Barabas "smiles to see how full his bags are crammed". When the play begins in the counting-house, Barabas is seen anxious about his trading ships, returning from different parts of the world. But avarice is not limited in Barabas only, Lodowick seems to grab Barabas' wealth by marrying Abigail; Friar Jacomo and Barnardine try their best to receive the feign sympathy of Barabas for the Church; Ithamore, Pilia Borza and Bellamira also attempt to extort money from Barabas. In short, the theme of avarice is present in every negative character of the play.
Revenge
The whole drama begins when Barabas' whole property is seized by the Maltese Governor, Ferneze. Barabas declares his revenge as thus:
"I am not of the tribe of Levi, I,
That can so soon forget an injury."
So, Barabas' first instalment to get even with Ferneze comes in the shape of a duel between Don Lodowick and Mathias which results in the death of the two. Ferneze and Katherine seek revenge on Barabas and when Abigail knows about her father's deeds, she converts to Christianity and her father even seeks vengeance on her by poisoning all the nuns, including his "inconstant Abigail". Barabas is still unsatisfied and strikes Jacomo and Barnardine with the arrows of revenge along with Pilia Borza and Bellamira. [The most tyrannical tragic hero award goes to Barabas] Barabas and Ferneze join hands to get even with Turks and it all finishes when Ferneze seeks vengeance on Barabas by dropping him into his "dainty gallery". Revenge is a fruit begotten through the seed of avarice but Barabas' revenge is [to some extent,] uncontrollable and unjustified which paves the way for his tragedy.
Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy also serves as one of the major themes of the play which is abruptly depicted by the protagonist himself. Barabas shows his double face even to his fellow Jews. He promises both Lodowick and Mathias to have his "diamond" but advises his daughter, "It's no sin to deceive a Christian". His hypocrisy is not limited to his adversaries, he plays with his own daughter (by protesting he loves her the most and then kills her) and his "second half" Ithamore by poisoning him too. Among other hypocrite characters is Lodowick who plans to snatch Barabas' coffers through entrapping Abigail in the web of love. Ferneze showcases his hypocrisy as a mean to ensnare Barabas as well as the Turks. Hypocrisy and revenge go hand in hand in this play.
Anti-Semitism
In simple terms, Anti-Semitism is the religious decimation of the Jews. This is the core theme of the play which serves as a tonic to push the tragic workflow. Why was Barabas' property got confiscated? Because he was a Jew. Why was Barabas blackmailed by Itamore? Because he had a long nose [which also signifies as a symbol used for the indication of the Jews]. In fact, Barabas was out-done by both Maltese Christians as well as Turkish Muslims but Barabas successfully jumped from these hurdles. Religious discrimination also goes parallel with other themes in The Jew of Malta.
Conclusion
The Jew of Malta is a play in which avarice and Anti-Semitism give birth to revenge and hypocrisy which are executed by the subtle work of policy.
Sources, References and Citation
- The Jew of Malta - Text by Famous Production
- Lecture(s) of Sir Hassan Akbar
- https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Jew-of-Malta/themes/
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/jew-malta/themes
- https://www.sparknotes.com/drama/jewofmalta/themes/#:~:text=Vengeance%20and%20Retribution&text=Notions%20of%20vengeance%20obsess%20the,broad%20as%20the%20play%20progresses.&text=As%20a%20theme%2C%20vengeance%20contributes,of%20The%20Jew%20of%20Malta.
- https://www.shmoop.com/study-guides/literature/jew-malta/quotes
