Shylock in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

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Shylock in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice William Shakespeare wrote The merchant of Venice in the Elizabethan period. It was written as a play and this is reflected in the exaggeration of some of the scenes. At the time the play was written anti-Semitism was common, this again is reflected by the attitudes of the characters. In theory at the time this play was written only Jews who had converted to Christianity were allowed in England at the time. This may be one of the reasons it is set in Venice. Lancelot Gobbo describes Shylock as the very 'devil incarnation'. Weather this is true or not it establishes the Christian's diabolical view of Shylock as evil, this view is repeated throughout the play by almost all the main characters. This is reflected in the relationship between Antonio and Shylock. Antonio is a merchant who works hard for his money sending vessels all over the world. Shylock lends money to people and lives off the interest he charges. These contrasting jobs cause resentment between the two. The fact that Shylock is a Jew and Antonio is a Christian transforms this resentment into hatred; 'I hate him for he is a Christian. But more so because in low simplicity he lends out money gratis.' Act 1 scene 3 lines 34-36 The fact that Antonio's friend Bassanio wishes to borrow money from Shylock fires up the anger between them. We learn that Antonio has spat on Shylock and called him a 'dog.' Because Antonio has refused friendship with Shylock Shylock fells obliged to 'Feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.' Act 1 scene 3 lines 38 This imagery shows us that anti-Semitism is steeped in h... ... middle of paper ... ...is a highly debatable subject. Yet I have come to the conclusion that he was more sinned against than sinning. He has taken abuse from almost all the characters in the play; he has been discriminated against for no reason except being a Jew. As soon as he seeks revenge (legally) he is described as evil. His situation in this play is best described in his speech in act three scene one, 'If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge? Shylock is making a plea to their shared humanity. He is trying to make them see that they are all equal and should be treated so, the very basis of the Christian religion. This is all he wants, he tries to make them see through words but they do not listen, he is forced into an alternative.

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