Revenge Through Fraudulent Justice

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Recommended: Justice and evil in merchant of venice

In Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, the concept of Justice is a prominent theme throughout the play. Specifically, Antonio and Shylock’s different ideas of justice is what fuels their animosity towards each other and how it compares to the concept of justice of the Venetian court.. Antonio”s quest for “justice” is fueled by anti Semitism and hate, while Shylock’s is fueled by the need for revenge. Antonio’s concept of justice is the more barbaric because he robs the Jew of his basic identity, although Shakespeare makes out Shylock’s concept of justice to appear inhuman.

Although Antonio and Shylock share the same goal of justice, they are both fueled by different motives. Antonio’s quest for justice is fueled by anti Semitism and his built up hate for his arch enemy, Shylock the Jew. Throughout the play, Antonio is continuously cursing and spitting on Shylock, showing his distaste for the “Jew’s” actions. Being Christian, Antonio also does not agree with Shylock’s profession as a interest taking money loaner. Shylock’s goal of justice is fueled solely by revenge. After years of Antonio treating him very poorly and taking his business by not charging interest, Shylock is fed up with Antonio’s actions. The forfeiture of the bond is the perfect opportunity for Shylock to enact his revenge against Antonio, which is justified by all the years of anguish he has had to survive through. After hearing of his daughters spending spree, Shylock says “Out upon her!”(101) meaning curses on her. Shakespeare uses this particular wording ironically because of Jessica’s recent departure from Shylocks life. Antonio losing his ship just adds to his appetite for justice and revenge. The combination of these events drives Shylock ...

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...im the victim instead of Shylock. Antonio is seeking revenge through justice. He asks the Duke to give him the choice between “a halter gratis”(4.1 395) or “presently become a Christian”(4.1 403) knowing Shylock is a coward would choose converting religion over death even if it meant him living his life miserably.
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Shakespeare makes Antonio appear to be innocent even though he is the villain in the The Merchant of Venice. Both Antonio and Shylock have barbaric concepts of justice and revenge but Antonio’s idea is much more inhumane. Shylock is fighting for a considerable nobler cause than Antonio is: Shylock is fighting for his people, the revenge of the Jew’s against the Christians. Shylock is victim to Antonio’s twisted idea of what justice means.

Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. N.p.: Simon and Schuster
Paperbacks, 2010. Print.

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