The Merchant of Venice

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Recommended: Theme of revenge in merchant of venice

Society tends to define people as being either victims or villains due to the actions, beliefs and decisions present in their lives. In the Merchant of Venice, this separation between those good and evil is existent in the Venetian community, especially for the character of Shylock. Although one may think that Shylock is a victim in this play, as a result of other’s wrong-doing, Shylock is rather a villain because he conspired to kill Antonio through his bond, wished to see his daughter dead for him to retain his wealth, and refused to show even mercy so as he could get his revenge on Antonio. It is through such destructive intentions Shylock possessed, having a negative impact on other characters in the play, which designates him as a villain.

Without a doubt, Shylock is a villain because he had an intense desire to kill Antonio and was willing to make a bond in order to satisfy this apparent need. For instance, in Act 1 Scene 3, Bassanio had asked Shylock, a Jew, to lend him three thousand ducats to go to Belmont, however, when Antonio enters the scene, Shylock openly states that he hates him because he is Christian. Shylock had been mistreated by Antonio in the past and as a favour, he is ready and determined to make Antonio suffer in return. When Antonio asks Shylock to lend money to his enemy, not his friend, Shylock takes advantage of this and states:

This kindness I will show.

Go with me to a notary, seal me there

Your single bond, and, in a merry sport,

If you repay me not on such a day,

In such a place, such sum or sums as are

Express’d in the condition, let the forfeit

Be nominated for an equal pound

Of...

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... wellbeing in order for him to be wealthy. This shift in priorities not only proves the irrationality of his thoughts but it also shows that he will stop at nothing to regain his honour, even if it means to hurt his family. Further, Shylock, knowingly aware of what it feels like to lose something dear to him, shows no mercy for Antonio when all his ships were reportedly destroyed. This disaster resulted in Antonio’s forfeit of the bond, however, still holding on to his past hatred for Antonio, was intolerable of anything other than his bond. While Shylock had many opportunities to gain our pity, the choices he formulated in response to difficult circumstances were not wise or moral, thus he is defined as a villain rather than a victim.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Toronto: Oxford University Press, 2001. Print

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