In a tale steeped in greed and betrayal, 'The Jew of Malta' follows the cunning merchant Barabas as he navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue in Malta. When the island falls under siege, Barabas's insatiable thirst for revenge leads him into a deadly game of manipulation against his rivals. As his wealth grows, so does the web of deception he weaves, drawing in friends and foes alike. Marlowe's exploration of themes like religion, money, and morality invites readers to question the true cost of ambition. With its rich characters and shocking twists, this gripping play promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
By Christopher Marlowe, Havelock Ellis
Published: 2003
"'I am rich, I am wealthy, I am the one with the power; yet what is wealth without love? What is power without the truth? In a world of greed, I remain ensnared by my own desires.'"
Prejudice, the intricacies of Mediterranean politics, and Machiavellian strategy abound in this masterpiece of Elizabethan theater, in which the main character schemes to cling to his wealth, his status, and his daughter.
Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593) was an English playwright, poet, and translator of the Elizabethan era, renowned for his dramatic works and contributions to the development of English drama. His notable plays include "Doctor Faustus," "Tamburlaine," and "The Jew of Malta," which showcase his use of blank verse, complex characters, and themes of ambition and human limitation. Marlowe's writing is characterized by its bold language, poetic artistry, and exploration of existential questions, influencing later writers, notably William Shakespeare. His life was as dramatic as his works, filled with intrigue and controversy, ending in a mysterious death.
Havelock Ellis (1859-1939) was a pioneering English physician, psychologist, and social reformer known for his influential work in the fields of sexuality and gender. His notable works include 'The Psychology of Sex,' 'Studies in the Psychology of Sex,' and 'The Dance of Life,' where he explored human sexuality with a blend of scientific rigor and a progressive attitude towards sexual politics. Ellis's writing style is characterized by his analytical approach, empathy, and an openness that challenged the Victorian norms of his era. He was one of the first to advocate for sexual enlightenment and the understanding of sexual diversity, cementing his legacy as a forward-thinking intellectual ahead of his time.
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“'I am rich, I am wealthy, I am the one with the power; yet what is wealth without love? What is power without the truth? In a world of greed, I remain ensnared by my own desires.'”
The Jew of Malta
By Christopher Marlowe, Havelock Ellis
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