Many factors need to be contemplated when determining if Shylock is to be considered a victim or a villain. It is difficult to class Shylock as simply a victim or villain as he is a complex character who can be interpreted in different ways.
             Anti Semitism was normal in Shakespeare's era; therefore a Shakespearian audience would have regarded Shylock as a villain. In this period usury was condemned by the Christian religion. this meant he was portrayed unsympathetically. This contrasts with contemporary values, as we would expect a more even handed approach
             Shakespeare wanted to show Shylock as a villain, in act I scene iii we learn of his usury. It is in this scene, that Bassanio asks to borrow money in Antonio's name. In the aside we learn of Shylocks intent regarding Antonio's life "If I can catch him once upon the hip I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him. This is hidden under a facade of friendship; he calls the bond "a merry sport". Antonio regards the 'pound of flesh' clause to be a show of friendship: 'The Hebrew will turn Christian: he grows kind'. Antonio receives the terms of the bond because he is confident he will be able to repay the bond. Shylock feels justified in exacting revenge upon Antonio. He is resentful of the Christians and their attitude towards the Jewish religion.
             In Act 4 scene 1 Shylock is represented as a villain, he demands his pound of flesh and renders no mercy. The judge is biased towards Antonio and it can be clearly seen he has already passed judgement. The Duke calls Shylock "an inhuman wretch" even when he is meant to be impartial. He also says he expects a "gentle answer" this is a play on words - gentle is meant to mean gentile which is the name for a person who does not acknowledge your god.
             Shylock is established as a villain through his treatment of his daughter Jessica - he orders her around as if s
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