Literature Help: The Jew of Malta

“The Jew of Malta” by Christopher Marlow is assumed to have been written either in 1589 or 1590. The plot of the play is based on religious conflict, intrigue, and vengeance.

In the backdrop of the story is the struggle for supremacy between the Ottoman Empire and Spain in the Mediterranean. Most of the action takes place on the island of Malta.

It is often said that William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice” was highly inspired by “The Jew of Malta.”

The play is recorded to have been performed seventeen times between 1592 on 26th of February 1592 and 1st February 1593. The play was first performed by Lord Strange’s men.

Later, on 4th of February 1594 it was performed by Sussex’s Men. Likewise several other groups performed the play in the following months and years.

Literature Help: The Jew of Malta
Copyright
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Plot Overview
Chapter Three: Characters
Chapter Four: Complete Summary
Prologue
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Act Four
Act Five
Chapter Five: Critical Analysis