When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Biblical References
- Barabas is a clear allusion to the Biblical Barrabas
- The Jews' part in the crucifixion of Christ is referenced throughout
- Abraham (1.1.102) (2.1.14)
- Job (1.2.179)
- Genesis 17:11 (2.3.8)
- Matthew 10:16 (2.3.36-37)
- Abraham and Isaac (2.3.52)
- Samson and Delilah (2.3.228)
- Cain and Abel (2.3.301) (3.4.26-33)
- Judas (4.4.65)
Classical References
- Agamemnon and Iphigen (1.1.135)
- Venus (1.2.372) (4.2.96)
- Morpheus (2.1.36)
- Apollo (2.1.61)
- The Hydra (3.4.100)
- The river Styx (3.4.102)
- Jason and the golden fleee (4.2.92)
- Bacchus (4.2.94)
- Adonis (4.2.96)
- Dis (4.2.99)
Literary and Philosophical References
- Niccolò Machiavelli is referenced throughout the play
- Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice: more of a Shout-Forward, because the Merchant of Venice is written after The Jew of Malta and is heavily informed by it.
- Terence, Andria (1.1.186)
- Lady Vanity (2.3.118): stock character in early modern drama
- Occasion (5.2.45): a stock character in early modern drama
Historical References
- The play is based on the real Siege of Malta, 1565
- Vespasian and Titus's 70 BCE conquest of Jerusalem (2.3.10): The Roman Emperor and his son, Titus, sacked Jerusalem in 70 BCE to quell a major Jewish revolt.
- King Philip II of Spain (2.2.7)
- 1522 Turkish conquest of Rhodes (2.2.31): The Knights of Malta used to be stationed on Rhodes until ousted by the Suleiman I
- Maccabee Revolt (2.3.155): The first successful Jewish revolt, 175-134 BCE
- Charles V (2.3.189)
- Alexander the Great (3.4.97)
- Cesare Borgia (3.4.98): the son of Pope Alexander VI, who is rumored to have poisoned his father and was much admired by Machiavelli