Shylock - Deeper Than Meets the Eye
In Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is an incredibly puzzling and multifaceted character who has been driven to hate by his past experiences. While it appears in many instances that he plays the role of the traditional villain concerned only with money and revenge, there are other instances in which he appears to be a rational man who is compelled to hate by anti-Semitism. In this way, Shylock is a very complicated character hatred whose true nature is never definitively given in the play, leaving his character very open to interpretation. Shylock's first appearance is when Bassanio approaches him in order to borrow money to pursue Portia. From the beginning, Shylock "hate[s] him, for he is a Christian" (I.iii.39), even though he has never before met him. Shylock's hate stems from his experiences with anti-Semitism, which have resulted in a bias against Christians. Because of his abhorrence for Christians, Shylock will "buy with [Antonio], sell with [him], talk with [him], walk with [him]...but [he] will not...pray with [him]" (I.iii.33-34), solidifying the fact that his hatred stems from a religious partiality. He also makes a comment regarding the Christians' "hard dealings" (I.iii.158) which teaches the di
However, the racism and anti-Semitism that Shylock experiences are only the beginning of Shylock's odium toward the citizens of Venice. While he should not offend Shylock if he expects him to loan him money, he does so only because of his deeply engrained anti-Semitism directed toward both Shylock and his method of business. This outcry is not only a justification for his hatred toward Christians but also a disparaging attempt to point out that the Christians' hatred toward him is baseless. Because Shylock cannot offer any logical reason for this strong contention, except his hate for Antonio and their binding contract, his actions appear extremely cruel. It is also a subtle reminder of the Christian sense of mercy and justice that has existed for Shylock's entire life. However, Antonio feels no remorse for his treatment of Shylock, directly insulting him multiple times. Even when he tries to take Bassanio's money in order to be merciful, he is reminded that "there is no power in Venice/ Can alter a decree established," (IV. Before her arrival, the Duke asks Shylock why he would expect to receive mercy from the other Venetians and God if he does not show mercy himself, but Shylock demands to know which "judgment shall [he] dread, doing no wrong?" ((IV. Despite his immoral contract and lack of mercy, Shylock possesses much depth and motivation, which makes him a very challenging and intriguing character. Even after he enters the court, the Duke attempts to counsel him into offering Antonio Christian-like forgiveness. 217-18) so he will be allowed receive nothing but the bond he has demanded throughout the trial. Because of the unjustifiable nature of their insults, Shylock flies into a burst of desperation, justifying his urge for revenge by insisting that Jews are people like Christians who will seek revenge if wronged (III. Even before Shylock enters the courtroom, the Duke describes him as "an inhuman wretch, /Uncapable of pity" (IV.
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