The Jew of Malta

by Christopher Marlowe

The Jew of Malta: Mood 1 key example

Definition of Mood

The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Act 4, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis:

As is typical of a tragedy, the mood of The Jew of Malta becomes increasingly bleak over the course of five acts. Initially, the audience may sympathize with Barabas, as his wealth is no doubt unjustly taken from him. Ferneze and his associates in the government clearly have antisemitic motivations, seizing not only Barabas's wealth but also that of other Jewish men in the city of Malta.