ayed as a greedy character in the play, another un-Christian attribute. Yet, the Christians in the play are in no position to judge him in this respect. Lorenzo seems every bit as concerned with Shylock's ducats as he is with Jessica herself. He explains the plan to Gratiano: "She hath directed/ me how I shall take her from her father's house/ What gold and jewels she is furnish'd with" (2.4.30).
             Though Antonio seems generous, lending his money to close friends, other Christian characters are not. Bassanio admits in the first act that he is in debt because he lives off of loans from others. His greed is of an even grosser nature than Shylock's because he satisfies it throught irresponsible means-borrowing without repaying. Even his love interest in Portia seems strongly tied to her wealth. His first argument to Antonio as to why he should attempt to win Portia is based on money. He says, "In Belmont is a lady richly left..." (1.1.161). He then goes on to discuss her other virtues, but it is her wealth which has obviously caught his attention. The audience, therefore, cannot accuse Shylock of being guilty of greed without also pointing out the same guilt in these Christian characters.
             It's interesting that Shylock is aware of the hypocricy of the Christians throughout the play. When Salerio questions Shylock's desire for revenge, Shylock points out that he is not at all unlike a "good Christian" in his endeavors. He points out to them:
             what is his humility? Revenge. If a Christian wrong
             A Jew, what should his sufferance be by Chris-
             tian example? Why revenge. The villainy you teach
             me, I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will
             This is an interesting statement, especially since it immediately follows Shylock's argument that Jews bleed, laugh, and die in the same manner as Christians. It is an extension of this argument to say that it is...