Essay The Merchant of Venice Shylock Villain or Victim

Shylock responds with a weak argument concerning his hatred towards Antonio with, “affection, Mistress of passion,” who affects men’s moods in ways they cannot explain (4.1.49–50). Saying, just as certain people cannot explain their distain towards cats, certain music, or eating meat, Shylock cannot explain his loathing for Antonio; there is no reason. This makes 4.1.43-61 especially powerful with the range of emotion Shylock expresses during his opaic argument. During 4.1.43-61, the use of repetition by describing the same image, “gaping pig” (4.1.53) and the “woolen bagpipe” (4.1.55) solidify Shylocks character in being narrow minded and determined. The question of, “Are you answered?” (4.1.61) is used to satisfy Shylock in his own explanation of his hatred towards

In light of textual scrutiny, it is also worthwhile to re-examine the court scene in which Shylock is now demanding the fulfillment of the bond. Shylock’s relentless pursuit of ‘his’ pound of flesh again serves to discredit his character in

Shylock requests a pound of flesh from Antonio on his search for justice. He claimed, "My deeds upon my head. I crave the law, The penalty, and forfeit of my bond" (4.1.195-196). Essentially, he tries to make everyone believe that as a follower of the law he would 've allow Antonio to cut a pound of flesh from his very own body if it was the other way around. Portia challenges Shylock 's hidden intentions. She says, "Shylock, there 's thrice thy money offered thee" (4.1.218). Getting his bond repaid was really not his moto. She is giving him the opportunity to understand that mercy is more important than justice, that he should show an act of mercy for Antonio. Still, Shylock persists and really just shows his real vision when he says, "By my soul I swear / There is no power in the tongue of man / To alter me. I stay here on my bond." His moto is really to hurt Antonio and finally gain revenge. Shylock shows himself as an individual without mercy. Where all that really matters was the insatiable thirst for revenge that controlled his actions.

He tells Shylock not to lend the money as a friend but rather as an enemy; that if he breaks the bond himself he will have no difficulty in taking the penalty. After this scene we are left with a feeling of sympathy for Shylock and question whether he really deserves all the hatred he receives. When Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, is running away from him, we feel exhilaration in this escape from persecution; a belief that she is doing the right thing and we urge her on. When Shylock first finds her missing, the play does not show Shylock himself in distress but rather Solanio describing the scene, to encourage the audience to laugh at the old man. However, we should know that Shylock did feel this distress and later tells Solanio and Salarino that,

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare takes place in 16th century Venice, a social, artistic and political, hub of Europe. The protagonist Antonio, a wealthy merchant, takes out a loan so that his dear friend Bassanio can travel to Belmont in hopes of winning the heart of Portia, the daughter of an affluent nobleman. As it is against Christian law to loan money with interest, Antonio seeks out Shylock, a Jewish money lender who has had quarrels with Antonio in the past. One of the most important aspects of the play is how Shakespeare presents gender roles, and the opposition of societal norms to critique the standards of the time related to men, women and the relationship between the two.

The Turquoise Ring gives depth to Shylock’s character by providing insight into his relationship with his daughter Jessica. While the merchant of Venice seems to Portray Shylock as a hostile and overprotective father, the Turquoise Ring offers a different perspective on the matter. It gives an understanding as to the reason for the constant contention seen between Shylock and his daughter. Shylock tells his daughter, “an angel were you, that did preserve me”, showing the central role Jessica plays in Shylocks life. After escaping the atrocities of his homeland in Toledo, Spain, Shylock is left with nothing of importance in his life but his daughter Jessica. His concerned for her is what motivates Shylock to try and create a very sheltered life for his daughter, fearing that he would lose the only thing he had left. After all that he had sacrificed, to lead for his family a Jewish lifestyle in spite of the dangerous implications of doing so, Shylock would not allow his daughter fall to the hands of Christianity,

Shylock appears intimidating, but it doesn’t affect Lancelot as he had become accustomed to Shylock’s rants. Lancelot speaks in a formal manner, “I beseech you, sir, go: my young master doth expect your reproach” (2.5.18-19). Shylock sighs at this statement, releasing a large amount of his anger. Shylock responds, “So do I his” (2.5.20).

Throughout the quote, Shylock laments the loss of his ring, which his wife had given to him. One reason why this characterizes Shylock is because it displays that Shylock had a close relationship with his wife, deeply valuing a ring that his wife had given him. Aside

It is ironic that Jessica’s actions should prove to be the catalyst that hardens Shylock’s attitude towards Antonio; she has turned Christian just as Antonio believed that Shylock’s bond turned him Christian.

1190 the Jews in York were massacred and in 1290 all the Jews were to

Stereotypes for every different religion, ethnicity, culture, and gender exist among the minds of the human race. These typecasts have ruled this world for as long as there has been diversity among people. In Shakespeare’s comedic tragedy, The Merchant of Venice, one prejudice is very central to the theme. The play is dominantly set in Venice, one of the most liberal cities of the Renaissance era. In this place and time period, anti-Semitism is very much in force. The Jewish people are discriminated against and treated terribly by the Christians living in Venice. Shylock, a wealthy Jew, is mercilessly spurned many times by men like Antonio, a Venetian merchant. In contrast to this blind hatred is the longing and lust associated with

He declares, "I'm very glad of it. I'll plague him, I'll torture him, I am glad of it." (3, 1, 115-116) At the end of Act 3, scene 1, Shylock's true motive is revealed. Shylock says, "I will have the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Venice I can make what merchandise I will." (3, 1, 125-127) All these comments clearly attempt to paint Shylock as a money-worshipping murderer and not as a person.

She is obviously ashamed to be associated with Shylock and tries to show Launcelot that she is not like him, and when she says

Shylock is also the victim when Jessica leaves. He loses his only child, that underneath his cold exterior it becomes apparent he loves her and struggles with the depth of his grief. He loses hold on his business and walks through the streets morning the loss of his child to the men he detests. He cries in anguish ‘The curse never fell upon our nation till now; I never felt it till now…. My own flesh and blood to rebel! I say, my daughter is my flesh and blood.’ This scene evokes compassion towards Shylock but he is tormented more by Salario and Salanio. This shows him as a repentant father, a man a victim to his child’s will and prejudice surrounding his race.

did this through Shylock. In Act 3 Scene 3, Shylock tells of how he is