Language:
English
Year of publication:
1988
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish Quarterly
Angaben zur Quelle:
35,2 (1988) 21-23
Keywords:
Shakespeare, William,
;
Marlowe, Christopher,
;
Jewish theater
Abstract:
Compares the treatment of Barabas as comic villain in Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta" with that of Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" and the recent productions of both plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Like "The Merchant of Venice, " Marlowe's play has a reputation for antisemitism, but in fact Barabas' exaggerated villainy mocks antisemitic stereotypes, and both Jews and Christians are shown as believers in Machiavelli's opportunism. "The Merchant of Venice, " too, exposes the venality of Christian society. While "The Jew of Malta" is played by the RSC as farce, the production of "The Merchant of Venice" emphasizes the violence of the antisemitic abuse directed at Shylock and the racism of the Venetians, and introduces elements of Jewish ritual into the trial scene which create disturbing echoes of ritual murder accusations.
Note:
On the Royal Shakespeare Company's productions of "The Jew of Malta" and "The Merchant of Venice".
URL:
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