Bloomsbury The Jew of Malta: A Critical Reader (Arden Early Modern Drama Guides)

Review Logan identifies three key interpretative cruxes that continue to preoccupy those studying The Jew of Malta: the extent of Marlowe’s familiarity with Machiavelli and his works; the vexed issue of the play’s genre; and the problems faced in arriving at a coherent understanding of the character of Barabas. Such questions provide an important context for the chapters that follow, which together offer a clear, concise, and accessible overview of the play’s reception history in criticism and performance, designed primarily for students and teachers. -- Eoin Price, Eleanor Collins, Helen F. Smith, Chloe Preedy And Jem Bloomfield ― Year's Work in English Studies Product Description In this up-to-date critical guide to Christopher Marlowe's absorbing and controversial play, The Jew of Malta, leading Marlowe scholars explore key questions surrounding the text. What are we to make of Barabas, the villainous Jew, who maintains his alienation in a degenerate Christian culture? Can the play be categorized as a darkly cynical tragedy or, conversely, a series of comic book exaggerations meant to be taken as satire; or is it a groundbreaking mix of several perspectives? Are such uncertainties a major reason why has the play has continued to hold so much interest for readers and audiences alike? Including wide-ranging coverage of racial, religious, political, and ethical matters, the contributors present the best in contemporary thinking on the play. The book also suggests new critical directions, addressing untapped issues of theater and performance history and gender issues such as Barabas as a stage image of the homosexual alienated in society. A comprehensive guide to resources includes information on pedagogy, critical, web-based and production-related resources, a survey of editions and an annotated bibliography. About the Author Robert Logan is Professor of English and Chair, University of Hartford. He is co-editor of Marlowe's Empery (2002), Placing the Plays of Christopher Marlowe (2008) and author of Shakespeare's Marlowe, winner of the 2009 Roma Gill Prize for best new work in Marlowe studies.