Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Shylock in The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare

Shylock is certainly an interesting character made even more

intriguing by Shakespeare's portrayal of him. Much before the

twentieth century, anti-Semitism was rife and The Merchant of Venice

is a curious tale, as we are able to see how Jews were viewed in the

late 1500s - especially as Shakespeare's depiction was at odds with

the accepted anti-Jewish prejudiced views in that he considers both

sides of the argument. This play is an insight into the general

opinions of Jews, the daily hostility facing them Shakespeare's time

and helps us understand why the hatred facing them through the ages

came about.

When Shylock is first encountered in Act I, scene iii, he strikes the

reader as contemplative and very shrewd businessman. He takes his time

over deliberative answers and never overcommits - by saying, "...well"

(I, iii, ll. 1, 3, 5) at the end of each sentence, Shylock allows

himself time to think and weigh up the information he is just

received. Everything he does is precisely relevant and he conducts

fast, efficient business that is not at all convoluted with exactly

measured short utterances. He is canny and avoids Bassanio's direct

questions with ambiguity. Shylock is always in full control of the

conversation and seems to be aware of everything that is going on in

Venice from a myriad of contacts "upon the Rialto" (I, iii, ll. 15-6).

Shylock does not appear to bear any strong grudges against the

Christians despite the fact that Antonio has previously "spat on

[him]" (I, iii, l. 119), "spurned [him]" (I, iii, l. 120) and "ca...

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...help his cause by being so unwelcoming himself and coming up

with cruel terms such as his desire for "An equal pound/Of [Antonio's]

fair flesh" (I, iii, l. 143-4). It is easy to feel sorry for a widower

and social outcast who is hated by his servants and only daughter but,

when confronted with the details, it is very obvious why he is

disliked. Even taking account of people's prejudice, Shylock is not a

particularly pleasant or amicable character. It is usually natural to

support the underdog, but Shylock just makes things hard for himself

by being hostile and repugnant to everyone despite clearly being aware

how it feels to be disliked by people. Any affinity and pity we feel

for Shylock is countered and cancelled by his blatant adversity to

getting on with other people and the negativity felt by those closest

to him.