Using Comedy to Shape Tragedy in Christopher Marlowe’s The Jew of Malta”
Nikolaus Rem
University of Minnesota Duluth
Abstract
This paper looks at Christopher Marlowe’s play, The Jew of Malta. More importantly, it examines how Marlowe uses genre to strengthen genre; how comedy strengthens tragedy. There is heavy focus on the character of Barabus and Act 4, Scene 4, the latter of which unfolds as a fully comedic scene in an otherwise serious play. Barabus is a complex character throughout the play, showing both his flaws and strengths. In the final scene of Act 4, however, Marlowe treats Barabus as the comedic relief and utilizes the character to suddenly flip the play’s genre and ultimately allow for a more impactful final act.
