How Shakespeare Makes Us Feel Sympathetic in The Merchant of Venice
In Shylock’s first speech in Act 1 Scene 3 he begins by saying he
hates Christians because they lend money gratis and reduce the rate of
usance on loans in Venice. At this point Shylock is more worried about
the interest charged on a loan and lends money without interest making
Shylock seem like a greedy character at this point. Shylock goes on to
say, “If I can catch once upon the hip I will feed fat the ancient
grudge I bear him”. What Shylock means if he gets Antonio where he
wants he will get his revenge. The ancient grudge was the hostility
between Jews and Christians apparently originating in the accusation
that Jews were responsible for Jesus Christ’s death. Shylock uses this
point to emphasise and to get the point across to the audience of the
long history between Jews and Christians. As we read through the
speech we see the anger of shylock towards Antonio. But as we near the
end of the speech we understand the anger because of what Antonio has
done to Shylock and the other Jews.
In Shylocks second Speech in Act 1 Scene 3 Shylock is polite to
Antonio by calling him “Signor Antonio” This makes Shylock a strong
character : after all his anger towards Antonio he talks to him
politely. This also shows Shylock has respect for him and also shows
importance. He begins by saying “Many time and oft in the Rialto you
have rated me about my moneys and my usances”. Antonio has insulted
Shylock not just once but many times. He then goes on to say “For
sufferance is the badge of all our tribe” This suggests that Shylock
has tolerated all the insults and other bad things done by Antonio for
a long time. This makes Shylock seem a stronger character because he
has not taken out his anger yet or taken revenge. He shows patience
and is calm. The next are some names Antonio has called Shylock and
things he has done.
then when your next in line for the throne, to bare the weight of a
William Shakespeare attained literary immortality through his exposition of the many qualities of human nature in his works. One such work, The Merchant of Venice, revolves around the very human trait of deception. Fakes and frauds have been persistent throughout history, even to this day. Evidence of deception is all around us, whether it is in the products we purchase or the sales clerks' false smile as one debates the purchase of the illusory merchandise. We are engulfed by phonies, pretenders, and cheaters. Although most often associated with a heart of malice, imposture varies in its motives as much as it's practitioners, demonstrated in The Merchant of Venice by the obdurate characters of Shylock and Portia.
"Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a
“I have a ration of bread under the sack. Divide it among you three. I shall not be eating anymore”
In the play The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, there is a concept of otherness throughout the play. Many characters had roles in which they were examples of the outsiders, that occurred during the time the play was written. If not all but in most plays by William Shakespeare, there is always a character who is categorized as the outsider. However, The Merchant of Venice took the concept into a deeper level, instead of depicting differences in social class as otherness, the play included race and religion, instead of social class. These beliefs shaped not only the way the play was written, but how the characters treated certain individuals in the play and how the personality of each character
It is in the great tragedy, Othello by William Shakespeare, that Shakespeare has managed to create a character so pitiable, yet so powerful. Throughout the play, the audience witnesses Othello’s self-destruction and loss of power through his rage filled speeches and situations of false accusation. Witnessing his relationships with Iago and Desdemona is like watching one being driven mad with their own self-hate: any rational being would tell Othello to be realistic and trust his wife, yet the same individual would realise that Othello is mentally ill and not much can be done to help the situation. Therefore, the audience feels powerless in this situation thus he or she feels pity for the struggle the character is experiencing.
that I may produce his body to the market place, and in the pulpit, as
Response to Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice by a Modern Audience Since the time of Shakespeare, The play “Merchant of Venice” has had a dramatic effect on the modern audience today. In the 16th century, Jews were completely disliked, & Jews were not allowed to live in England unless they had converted to Christianity. = == ==
Emotions have some control over our actions. However, there are other factors that influence what we do. In the play Othello though, emotions have way more power over the characters' actions. For example, the actions committed by characters consumed by love are greatly amplified. Another example of this is that the characters in the play that are consumed by jealousy go to far greater lengths than one normally would to quench their thirst for vengeance. The last instance that proves this is that the actions of characters overcome by despair are based solely on their hopelessness. These three points all help to show that in the play Othello, Shakespeare exaggerates how much our actions are affected by the major emotions of love, jealousy, and despair.
soon have several ships in port, agrees to part with a pound of flesh if the
“Look down and see the beggars at your feet. Look down and show some mercy if you can.
at the end of the 16th century was overtaken by England which was at a
Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice contains many themes and elements that are considered timeless or universal. Samuel Taylor Coleridge defines a timeless or universal element as a “representation of men in all ages and all times.” A universal element is relevant to the life of every human being – it is universal. The first major theme that plays an important role in the play is the Christians’ prejudice against the Jews. A second important theme is the attitude toward money. Perhaps the most important theme of the play is the love between people. This love can occur between the same sex, or the opposite sex, platonic or romantic. In Merchant of Venice, the three timeless elements are prejudice, money, and love.
In life, there are various types of love. Two are shown in The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare, written in 1589. He focuses on friendship and romance. The motif of friendship is evident with many characters throughout the play. Depending on the character, the idea of love over friendship is a controversial matter. In many instances, Bassanio and Antonio believe that friendship is more important than love. Therefore, the following theme is proven: friendship is a bond stronger than a vow of love. In the beginning of the play, Antonio is willing to sacrifice his credit to ensure Bassanio’s happiness. In the middle of the play, friendship and romance conflict, as Antonio is willing to give up his flesh to fulfill the bond that he makes with Shylock, and Bassanio departs to Venice without his newly-wedded wife. At the end of the play, Antonio persuades Bassanio to break his promise to his wife, fully proving the bond of friendship is stronger than a vow of love. Within this instance, Bassanio neglects his wife to support his friend in Venice. Throughout the play, Antonio and Bassanio’s friendship is highly valued over Portia and Bassanio’s marriage.
Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice is a simple story line with three distinct plot lines incorporated into each other intricately. These three plot lines are the bond plot, the casket plot, and the ring plot, each equally vital to the meaning and conclusion of the play. In this essay, I will discuss the roles of the characters in the plot, the symbols, images, and rhetorical figures central to each plot, and finally how the events of the three plots are intertwined.