Shylock in William Shakespeare's The Merchant Of Venice

Shylock in William Shakespeare's The Merchant Of Venice

The above statement suggests two assumptions. Firstly, that Shylock is

an unattractive character in the play. I agree with this assumption,

but only to a certain extent. Secondly, the statement assumes that all

the other characters in The Merchant of Venice are not unattractive,

but kind and good. I disagree with this statement to a large extent.

This essay will put forward reasons why I agree and disagree with

respective assumptions, as well as why I disagree with the question

overall. It will also consider arguments supporting or opposing

earlier assumptions.

It is true that Shylock is an unattractive character, the villain of

the play, because he sought to kill Antonio in order to avenge

himself. Therefore, I agree with this assumption.

Firstly, Shylock was taunting Antonio, and luring Antonio into a trap

as he said, "O would be friends with you and have your love,/ Forget

the shames that you have stained me with,/ Supply your present wants,

and take no doit/ Of usance for my moneys, and you'll not hear me./

This is kind I offer." (1.3) He also continued to explain, "A pound of

man's flesh taken from a man/ Is not so estimable, profitable

neither,/ As flesh of muttons, beefs or goats." (1.3.160-2) Antonio,

having been convinced by Shylock, agreed to the bond.

He was bloodthirsty as well. When he heard that Antonio's ships had

sunk, Shylock said, "I am very glad of it. I'll plague him; I'll

torture him. I am glad of it." (3.1.108-9) The quote shows his

viciousness and his thirst to kill. During Act 4 Scene 1, Bassanio

asked Shylock, "Why dost thou whet thy knife/ so...

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...he was generous to Antonio, when she

heard that he was in trouble, "Pay him six thousand, and deface the

bond./ Double six thousand, and then treble that." (3.2.300-303) When

she heard that Antonio was in trouble, she immediately rushed to

Venice to save him, even to the extent of disguising as a man. She

also did try to appeal to Shylock's merciful side, with her speech of

mercy. "the quality of mercy is not strained./ It droppeth as the

gentle rain from heaven,/ upon the place beneath. It is twice blest,/

It blesseth him who gives and him who takes..."

I would like to conclude that although Shylock is an unattractive

character, many of the other characters also possess bad qualities,

despite their false appearances and facades. Therefore, I disagree to

a large extent that Shylock is the only unattractive character.