The Jew of Malta Wealth Quotes

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

Quote #7

Ferneze: What wind drives you thus into Malta road?
Bashaw: The wind that bloweth all the world besides,
Desire of gold. (3.5.2-4)

To the Maltese, Turks are about as different (non-Western) and otherized (non-Christian) as it gets. But money is universal. Although Barabas describes himself as 'purchasing towns by treachery' (5.5.46-47), the Turks were doing it before it was cool. With actual money.

Quote #8

You shall convert me; you shall have all my wealth. (4.1.79)

Cornered by the friars, Barabas plays his trump card: conversion. Of course, this being a Marlowe play, point isn't that Barabas will become a Christian, but whichever order he joins will get his wealth.

Quote #9

Why, is not this
A kingly kind of trade, to purchase towns
By treachery and sell 'em by deceit? (5.5.46-48)

Barabas's "argosy" (fleet of merchant ships) from the first act is looking like small potatoes now. By the end of the play, the stakes are so high that Barabas isn't gunning for money; he's out to control all of Malta.