The Jew of Malta

Roles

• Barabas - Adult (36-50), Senior (>50), Male

About this piece

Barabas shows his wealth in a counting house

Summary

Barabas is a wealthy Jewish merchant who lives in Malta. At the beginning of the play he learns that the governor of the island has confiscated all his money and land in order to pay tribute to the Turks. His house is also confiscated and turned into a nunnery. Since he still has a lot of money hidden in the house, he proposes to his daughter to dress up as a nun, pretend to convert to christianity and join the convent in order to retrieve his hidden treasures. The play follows Barabas as he conspires to get revenge against Ferneze, the governor, and his son Lodowick, with the help of a Turkish slave, Ithamore. At the end of the play, after having killed various characters including the governor's son, he helps the Turkish army to invade the island and he is made governor. He then conspires with Ferneze to kill the Turkish leader but at the end Barabas is the one who dies. This monologue is the introductory monologue for Barabas. He is in a counting house and describes his wealth to other merchants.

Tone

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