Meaning: The quote "Confess and be hanged" is a line from the play "The Jew of Malta" written by the famous Elizabethan playwright, Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe, who was a contemporary of William Shakespeare, is known for his significant contributions to English literature and for pioneering the use of blank verse in English drama. "The Jew of Malta" is one of his most well-known works, and it is a play that delves into themes of greed, revenge, and moral corruption.

The quote itself is a succinct and powerful expression of the play's themes, encapsulating the idea that confession, or admitting to one's wrongdoings, can lead to punishment or even death. This sentiment reflects the moral and ethical complexities that Marlowe explores in his play, where characters must grapple with the consequences of their actions and the societal expectations of justice and retribution.

In "The Jew of Malta," the character who speaks the line "Confess and be hanged" is Barabas, a wealthy Jewish merchant who is driven by his desire for revenge and personal gain. The play follows Barabas as he manipulates and schemes to exact his vengeance on the Christian community that has wronged him, ultimately leading to a tragic and violent conclusion. The quote can be seen as a reflection of Barabas's cynical worldview, where he believes that honesty and confession only lead to punishment and downfall.

Marlowe's use of this quote within the context of the play serves to highlight the moral ambiguity and the corrupt nature of the society depicted in "The Jew of Malta." The play presents a world where individuals are driven by greed, ambition, and a thirst for power, often at the expense of others. The quote "Confess and be hanged" can be interpreted as a commentary on the futility of honesty in a world where deceit and manipulation reign supreme, and where the pursuit of personal gain often leads to tragic consequences.

Furthermore, the quote can also be seen as a reflection of the broader societal and religious tensions of the time. In Marlowe's England, there were deep-seated conflicts between different religious and ethnic groups, and "The Jew of Malta" can be viewed as a commentary on these divisions. The character of Barabas, a Jewish protagonist in a predominantly Christian society, grapples with issues of identity, persecution, and the struggle for survival. The quote "Confess and be hanged" may also allude to the idea of unjust punishment and the persecution of marginalized groups within society.

In conclusion, the quote "Confess and be hanged" from Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta" encapsulates the play's themes of moral corruption, revenge, and the consequences of one's actions. It reflects the cynicism and moral ambiguity present in the play, as well as the broader societal and religious tensions of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe's powerful use of language and his exploration of complex moral dilemmas continue to make "The Jew of Malta" a thought-provoking and enduring work in English literature.