Protestant Doctrine, Text Toys in 'The Jew of Malta' - Notes Towards an Interpretation

Abstract:     
Marlowe’s Barabas in The Jew of Malta is toying with the doctrines teachings and words of the Reformation. As Bevington and Greenblatt say, the play critiques the moralities of the time. The doctrines of faith without works, grace, original sin, justification, the visitation of grace, righteousness, fruits of faith, being one elected by grace (a “Jew”), scripture texts, and many other Reformation doctrines are toyed with in The Jew of Malta. Marlowe held that Machiavelli reigns, even where other religions are named. It is ignorant not to get this out of the play.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 21

Keywords: Marlowe, The Jew of Malta, Hug, Toys, Early Modern Religion, Anti-Semitism, Reformation, Protestant Doctrines

working papers series