Analysis Of The Merchant Of Venice

1510 Words4 Pages

Placing a scene in Belmont against one in Venice shows a plethora of contrasts between the locations. For example, Venice is a city of hustle and bustle, while Belmont is more placid. Another difference between the cities is the main issue of importance. In Venice, money is clearly the concern, while Belmont revolves around love. Also, the language of Belmont between the two ladies is amicable, while it occasionally dissolves to disputatious between the men in Venice.

Simple and macabre, the terms of Antonio’s loan are as Shylock states; “Three thousand ducats for three months, and Antonio bound” (I.iii.8-9). And for Antonio to be bound is no small statement. In essence, it means that Antonio is adhered to his promise by law, unable to escape …show more content…

Despite the lowly position of Jews in Elizabethan Venice, the man directly mentions the Bible, a contentious subject to point out. In this incident, Shlock is referencing the story of Jacob and Laban in an effort to prove his point about usury. However, another reason that Shylock may bring up religion this much is because the Jew simply wants to mention the elephant in the room. Europe in this period of time was deeply religious, no matter what religion one cleaved to. Clearly, everyone knew everyone else’s religion. Perhaps Shylock wanted to bring it up before the others could, or wanted to prove a point; Jews are allowed to speak freely, if not much …show more content…

For example, during the Elizabethan time period, a plethora of derogatory stereotypes emerged in Shakespeare’s plays. And particularly in The Merchant of Venice, with the character of Shylock. Miserly, vengeful and materialistic, Shylock occasionally appears as no more than a one-dimensional negative stereotype of a Jewish man. However, Shakespeare also allows Shylock several moments of redemption. One incident that stands out is during the deal negotiation, when Shylock informs Antonio that “I would be friends with you and have your love” (I.iii.134). Despite everything, Shylock is still willing to accept Antonio as friend, thus defying

Open Document