How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #7
BARABAS: Now tell me, Governor, and plainly too,
What think'st thou shall become of it and thee?FERNEZE: This: Barabas, since things are in thy power,
I see no reason but of Malta's wrack,
Nor hope of thee but extreme cruelty,
Nor fear I death, nor will I flatter thee. (5.2.56-61)
Ferneze just doesn't get Barabas. In Ferneze's mind, his enemies (Barabas and the Turks) are gunning for his power. But that's not true.Barabas isn't just after power—his bargain to destroy the Turks could actually the only group of people who grant him political power.If he were just playing politics, it probably would've been a safer bet to just cooperate with the Turks.
Quote #8
Ferneze: Do but bring this to pass which thou pretendest,
[…] And by my letters privately procure
great sums of money for thy recompense.
Nay, more: do this, and live thou governor still.
Barabas: Nay, do thou this, Ferneze, and be free.
Governor, I enlarge thee. (5.2.85-92)
Bottom line: do you believe either of these guys? Do you think that Ferneze, if the Turks were taken out of the equation and it was once again A Whole Lotta Christians v. Barabas, would allow Barabas to remain Governor? It just doesn't seem likely.
Quote #9
And he from whom my most advantage comes
Shall be my friend.
This is the life we Jews are used to lead,
And reason too, for Christians do the like. (5.2. 114-17)
You'd think that with all of the obvious haterade between the Christians and the Jews, Ferneze and Barabas would refuse to work together. But apparently, political advantage trumps religious principle and personal sentiment. Barabas is willing to play nice with Ferneze to secure his future, and Ferneze, who has both consistently injured and hated Barabas (who had his son murdered), is on board.