Can a man seeking to kill be considered a victim? This question is addressed in William Shakespeare's play, The Merchant of Venice. The Merchant of Venice takes place in Venice, Italy. Antonio, a Venetian merchant takes out a loan from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Shylock loans Antonio the money under the condition that if he does not repay the bond in three months, Shylock gets a pound of Antonio's flesh. Because of his religion and profession, Shylock is cruelly treated and is the victim in this play. The harsh handling of Shylock by the other characters in the play, and his unfair treatment at the trial, both show the victimization of Shylock.
             Shylock is ridiculed and mistreated because he is Jewish and a moneylender. Money lending and being Jewish were both frowned upon during the time that this play takes place. When talking to Antonio, Shylock recalls all of the slanders and cruel things that Antonio has done to him. "You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,And spet upon my Jewish gabardine," (I.iii.121-122). Shylock is treated very poorly because of his religion and occupation. The Christians despise Shylock for the sole reason that he is Jewish. Antonio has always disrespected Shylock. Shylock describes the viciousness of Antonio when talking to Salarino and saying, "He hath disgraced me and/ hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses,/ mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted/ my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies" (III.i.53-56). Shylock adamantly describes the ways in which Antonio finds any means possible to mock and hurt Shylock. Shylock is also victimized by his own daughter Jessica. After Jessica runs away to elope with a Christian, and steals from Shylock, Shylock exclaims, "My own flesh and blood to rebel!" (III.i.34). Shylock is surprised and hurt that he is even the victim of his own daughter. Shylock is sc
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