Shylock Deserves Sympathy

603 Words2 Pages

Shylock Deserves Sympathy

Shylock is indeed a complex character and has the dimension of pain-he

has suffered, still suffers and is one of a people who have suffered

over centuries. However, to what extent should Shylock suffer and does

he deserve our sympathy or hostility. Although anti-Semitism is

totally unacceptable today, it was quite normal in Shakespeare's time.

However, as he has done with other villains, Shakespeare actually

plays around with his audience's preconceptions and makes Shylock an

interesting, complex and sometimes likable character.

Being a Jew in Christian dominated Venice, Shylock is persecuted by

society. He is the victim of popular Christian prejudice, which scorns

his religion and restricts his means of employment. He is left with no

choice but to be a moneylender and earn his money from collecting

interest. To the Christians, collecting interest was against their

teaching. This is one of the reasons for the Christians hatred.

In Act III scene I Salanio and Salarino confront Shylock, mocking him

about his daughter's deception and insulting him. Shylock explains why

he will take Antonio's flesh, making his famous speech, 'I am a Jew.

Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses,

affections, passions?' This is where Shakespeare evokes our sympathy,

by making us realise how Shylock has suffered because of the

prejudices of the Christians around him. He explains his motives for

revenge in a rational way, showing how his actions are no different

from the Christians'. Look carefully at the language he uses, as well

as the insulting and mocking language used by the other two. At the

end of the scene, Shylock mourns the loss of his daughter, although

our feelings towards him are a bit mixed, for he seems to care more

about the money. He does give evidence, however, of his love for his

wife, which again, creates sympathy. Shylock is merely responding in

the same way that he has had people respond to him all his life.

However, it would be unjust to brand the Christians as spiteful

Open Document