Hatred and Revenge

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“And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?” (3,1,59). In The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, Antonio and Shylock hate each other. They are both given an opportunity to exact revenge, but by showing mercy, Antonio proves himself to be a man of higher morals. Through the contrasting fates of Shylock and Antonio, Shakespeare tells the audience that hatred and the relentless pursuit of revenge will lead to one’s defeat.
The different beliefs that they have cause Shylock and Antonio to hate each other. Intense hatred is often a result of religious conflict and long standing disputes. Shylock is Jewish while Antonio is Christian, leading to different religious and societal restrictions. Because Shylock is Jewish, he is unable to eat pork. When Bassanio comes to him for a loan, Shylock treats him as a customer. However, Shylock responds with unexpected when he is invited to dinner. He will do business with Christians, but he will not eat, drink, or pray with them. Shylock’s malicious response reveals that he despises Christianity and its members. Soon after, Antonio arrives and affirms that he will be the security for Bassanio’s loan. Shlock holds a grudge against Antonio because he lends money interest-free, lowering the rate of usance in Venice and ultimately reducing Shylock’s profit. Shylock is embittered by Antonio’s actions and holds a grudge against him. His reaction towards Antonio’s appearance shows that he wishes ill-will for him. While Shylock discusses the terms of the loan with Antonio and Bassanio, he demands that Antonio sign an unusual bond. If the loan is not properly repaid, Shylock will be able to cut off one pound of Antonio’s flesh from wherever he pleases. When Bassanio protests, Shylock insists that th...

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... Venice for Shylock, Antonio gives him the chance to become a respectable member of Venetian society. Antonio’s mercy towards Shylock reveals his capability of humanity and makes him more admirable than Shylock. Both Shylock and Antonio have opportunities for revenge. Shylock pursuit of it leads to his downfall, while Antonio proves himself to superior in morals by showing his enemy mercy.
Through the contrasting fates of Shylock and Antonio, Shakespeare reveals that hatred and revenge can lead to one’s downfall. The mutual hatred of Shylock and Antonio encourages them to desire revenge. However, while Shylock blindly pursues revenge until his defeat, Antonio reaffirms his moral superiority by giving Shylock an opportunity for redemption. Antonio’s acts of mercy allow him to break away from the destructive cycles of hatred and revenge that once held him captive.

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