Shylock’s character is set as an outsider from others in Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice by the mere fact that he is a Jewish person among many of the Christian faith. This fact alone sets him apart from others in addition to his practice of usury, a profession that is contrary to the Christian belief. His different style of living, dressing, and speaking also set him apart from other Venetians. His character is shown to be an outsider due to statements from the play such as when Bassanio asks Shylock to dine with Antonio and himself in lines 35-38 of Act I Scene III. Shylock answers with “I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but I will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you.” This shows that Shylock will do business with others in the area but is not willing to break bread with others. It is shown that Shylock considers himself a scorned outsider because of the statement made to Antonio in the same act and scene when he states, “You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog, and spet upon my Jewish gaberdine, and all for use of that which is mine own” (111-113).
Shylock’s fate is set throughout the play. It first begins the moment he responds t
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She then request that Shylock allow a surgeon to attend in case of excessive bleeding from the wound. Knowing this to be impossible Shylock realizes defeat. He even faces death “if it be proved against an alien, that by direct or indirect attempts he seek the life of any citizen” (349-351). This is proven in Act III Scene I when speaking with Tubal, a fellow Jew. When everything is beginning to fold out, Portia comes along as a lawyer in disguise and begins the final steps toward putting Shylock in his place. However, because of his hatred and bitterness he will hear of no bargaining. Due to Antonio’s compassion, Shylock’s life is spared even though his fate has dealt him a life of loneliness and grief because of the loss of money and the taking of his religion or identity. He once again refused stating that it was not in the bond. She explains how no blood was offered for payment so if flesh were to be removed it must be clean. I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear!”
The culmination of his fate is brought full circle in the courtroom in Act IV Scene I.
Furthermore, when Shylock finds out that his daughter has taken his money and run away with a Christian, he is more concerned with the loss of valuables than his daughter. This shows that justice has been turned against him and he now faces possible death himself. Antonio also says that Shylock must presently become a Christian.
Approximate Word count =
913
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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