sh practices and behaviors via rumors and anti-Semitic propaganda from the Dr. Rodrigo Lopez trial, which occurred shortly before the play was written. Because of this, it is not surprising that Shylock is depicted as a greedy, fanatical, blood lusting monster. In the play, Shylock lends 3,000 ducats to Antonio. Rather than charging interest for his loan, Shylock creates a bond, which the is penalty "let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me" (1.3/ 18). The penalty stated is similar to "blood libels", sacrifices of Christian children during Passover, which Jews were accused of practicing. The bond resembles the cliched agreement between a man and the devil, in which the man exchanges his soul for something temporary and petty. Also, carnivorous imagery is used by Shylock to describe his grudge against Antonio "I will feed fat the ancient grudge" (1.3/ 15). Shakespeare's use of carnivorous imagery enhances the anti-Semitic views concerning Jews and sacrifices with blood and flesh. It is also a stereotypical view that Jews are greedy. Shylock is a mo
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