Authors use their characters as prisms to reflect the different characteristics of the human persona. The famous sixteenth century writer William Shakespeare created such a character in his riveting story The Merchant of Venice. His first production occurred around 1598, during which time the tension between Christians and Jews was at a peak. The Jewish moneylender Shylock is wronged; he wants his money and daughter back. Characters such as Antonio, Bassanio, and Jessica affected him. Each played a role in his lashing out towards society. Whether it is Antonio not repaying a loan, Bassanio pleading for the money in the first place, or Jessica denying her father's name and taking his money. In all of Shakespeare's plays Shylock is one of the most masterfully crafted prisms. Research indicates that critics have varying interpretations of Shylock's character. Shylock is interpreted as an evil victimizer, a pitiful victim, or a blend of both.
             Of all the interpretations of Shylock's character, the raging "monster" is probably the most dramatic. Shylock's greed and religious resentment are the ruling causes of his hate. He cares only for his stolen money and to cut the flesh off of Antonio. Shylock dislikes Antonio because Antonio is a Christian. "To cut a pound of flesh from the breast of a living fellow creature, is a circumstance so abhorrent from the mind, that the strongest motives are necessary to give it the color of credibility" (Skottowe 82). After making a deal involving three thousand ducats, Antonio does not pay it back. The bond states that Shylock gets a pound of Antonio's flesh if the deal is not honored. Taking someone's flesh for money does not seem worth the consequences of guilt. Shylock is filled with so much loathing for Antonio he only thinks of the evils he can release onto him.
             On the other side of the spectrum, Shylock is interpreted as a victim. H
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