Marginalization In The Merchant Of Venice

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Recommended: Shylock's character analysis

It is fairly obvious that marginalization can distort logic action and reason. Even if one is not inherently marginalized, trauma, whether physical or mental, may occur from unfortunate experiences. Case in point, we as a society become more aware of those living with PTSD every day, such as soldiers and victims of sexual assault, and how these people are challenged to continue living a normal life. We see veterans flock to the Artillery Club, victims of assault go to group counselling, trying to find people that share their experiences and understand how they feel. When being seen or seeing oneself as the dirt that Bauman states in The Dream of Purity exists solely to be purified, there will be inevitable damage to the psyche. Two prime examples of this are Shylock of The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare and post-war Vladek of MAUS I and II, whose actions due to marginalization are comparable and perhaps make them more enlightened and aware than most people.
One major similarity between the two is that …show more content…

Shylock is routinely viewed as a shark feeding off of those that need his assistance. However, he had practically no choice in what work he was able to do as Jewish people in this time and place were limited to being bankers. He was cunning enough to make the money that was the only thing ensuring the survival of his family in a world that sought to tear them apart. Additionally, Vladek’s money and belongings saved his and Anja’s lives many times, such as using his resources on the black market to trade for additional food due to the measly rations they received and using his savings to keep the family afloat when his factory was taken over. They cannot be blamed for their need for money as it is more than a means for happiness, but has served as a means of survival time and time

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