Act 3, Scene 4 Summary

Barabas enters reading a letter from Abigail wherein she tells him she has joined the nuns again and begs him to give penitence for his sins. Barabas is furious. He believes that she no longer loves him and may betray him by telling what he has done. Barabas makes plans to kill Abigail and everyone at the nunnery. He has Ithamore bring out a large pot of fresh rice porridge. He adds a slow-acting poison to it and has Ithamore deliver it to the door of the nunnery. As Barabas stirs in the poison, he invokes curses upon Abigail and those who will consume the rice. He tells Ithamore to take the pot and return straight away as he has other chores for him.

Act 3, Scene 4 Analysis

Marlowe is showing yet again what a wicked man Barabas is. Barabas's actions escalate...