Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice
The play 'The Merchant of Venice' by William Shakespeare is set in Venice. In Venetian society at the time that the play was written there were many anti-semitic views. Many of these views came from Christians, followers of the main religion in Venice, upon Venice's religious minority, the Jews. In the play by William Shakespeare Shylock is a moneylender and follows Judaism. Antonio, a Christian Merchant, borrows money from Shylock and enters into a bond with him. Many Christians in Venice hated Shylock, as he was very rich compared to the average Christian. As a result of this, many members of the Christian general public became jealous of Shylock's obvious wealth. Due to the obvious wealth of many Jews they started to be stereotyped and persecuted by the majority of the population of Venice. Shylock was generally treated badly and abused by the Christians of Venice. They "spat on" (pg. 33) him and "spurned" (pg. 33) him in the streets. In some points in the play Shylock is definitely presented as an out and out villain such as when he refused ten times the original sum "ten times o'er"(pg. 159) but in some parts of the play the audience is meant to feel for Shylock as he has obviously been so badly treated
When Shylock discovers the disappearance of his daughter and some of his goods it appears to the audience that Shylock is much more worried about the loss of his money and possessions than the loss of his daughter. The Duke who is supposed to be presiding the matter also uses this stereotypical phrase to address the prosecutor instead of using his real name. It is also obvious that we are living after Hitler's attempt to annihilate the Jewish race. We are told that Shylock was over protective over his daughter as she was not allowed to leave their house most of the time. It seems as though Shylock has mistreated his daughter to the point that there is no alternative for Her but to leave home. 97) He also exclaims in the streets "O my ducats! O my daughter!"(pg. This also makes Shylock look bad as if he mistreated his daughter. Due to this many natives in the countries that Jews had emigrated to became annoyed and many despised the Jews. 29) would have provoked the audience as almost all of them wouls be practicing Christians. Is this a civilized society? It is apparent that William Shakespeare wanted to present Shylock as a villain seeing as he makes it so clear that Antonio was putting himself on the line for his good friend Bassanio. In my opinion Shakespeare intended to make Shylock the "evil"(pg. When Jessica left home, we are told that she took some money and some of the family possessions with her. 83) are when Shylock appears to care more about his ducats than his daughter and when he refuses three times the original sum of money simply for revenge and intimidates Antonio and his friends by sharpening his dagger on his shoe during the courtroom scene which creates dramatic tension. Due to this bias a fair trial cannot take place. 83) villain in the play seeing as in some moments during the script Shylock decides to perform evil acts which seemed unnecessary and would be easily recognized by the play's audience.
Common topics in this essay:
Shakespeare Shylock,
Bassanio Asides,
Christians Venice,
Jew' Duke,
Due Jews,
Venice' Shakespeare,
Merchant Venice',
Shylock Shakespeare's,
William Shakespeare,
Shylock Jewish,
william shakespeare,
merchant venice',
'the merchant venice',
'the merchant,
william shakespeare shylock,
shakespeare shylock,
shakespeare intended shylock,
intended shylock,
courtroom scene,
moments play,
shakespeare intended,
provoked audience,
times original sum,
scene shylock,
villain play seeing,
|
Acceptance Essays
