The Jew of Malta Justice and Judgment Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #7

So, march away, and let due praise be given
Neither to fate nor fortune, but to heaven. (5.5.123-24)

Yeah, we're not sure that heaven's justice had much to do with Ferneze's victory. To check out the longer discussion of this quote, drop by the What's Up With The Ending? section.

Quote #8

Should I in pity of thy plaints or thee,
Accursèd Barabas, base Jew, relent?
No, thus I'll see thy treachery repaid
But wish thou hadst behaved thee otherwise (5.5. 72-75)

Cue the maniacal laughter: Ferneze has Barabas right where he wants him. And check out that, even though he himself has just betrayed Barabas, Ferneze's acts don't count as "treachery" to him. Why not?

Quote #9

CALYMATH: Oh monstrous treason!

FERNEZE: A Jew's courtesy.
For he that did by treason work our fall
By treason hath delivered thee to us. (5.5.108-10)

Calymath is that Ferneze and Barabas have destroyed his army, so Ferneze obviously shifts all of the blame onto the Jew. That's easy to do in a society where treason and Judaism go hand-in-hand.