External Conflict In Shakespeare's Tale Of Venice By William Shakespeare

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Recommended: The portrayal of women in Shakespeare's plays

Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
“I am sorry for thee. Thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch
Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy” (Shakespeare 162).

Throughout the quote, the duke takes pity on Antonio. Shylock and Antonio’s deal is an example of an external conflict it involves two people in a struggle. Recently, Antonio suffered losses from another external conflict with nature. Adding to his pain, Shylock chooses to go through with exacting his payment, presumably in retaliation for his loss of his daughter and money, which is another incident of an external conflict. Considering what has transpired between Antonio and Shylock, one could interpret their relationship as an ongoing external conflict.

Term: Definition 2. Internal Conflict: A struggle inside a character’s mind involving …show more content…

Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something that the character(s) do not
Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
“This letter from Bellario doth commend
A young and learnèd doctor to our court.
Where is he?” (Shakespeare 172).
In the quote, Portia and Nerissa pose as men. Though the crowd thinks that the two are a young lawyer and a messenger, the two are, in fact, two women attempting to aid one of their husbands. Not only do Portia and Nerissa need to disguise themselves in order to hide their identities, but also to appear more credible as well. At the time, women were generally less powerful than men and held less types of jobs. For that reason, in order to use the occupation of a wise lawyer, Portia would not have been able to remain as a woman and still remain credible in the eyes of her peers.

Term: Definition 6. Verbal Irony: When a speaker says something that contradicts their true, intended meaning/purpose
Textual Evidence
Interpretation/Explanation
“ 'Tis well you offer it behind her back.
The wish would make else an unquiet house” (Shakespeare

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