Treatment of Shylock by the Christians in William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice

The writer did not have any personal Jewish associates in order to interview so it was incumbent upon to seek out a local congregation which would welcome him and his

His father, who survived the concentration camps after five years, still is unable to overcome the difficulties he went through during these unfortunate events. While the circumstances that occurred in Ross’s family prevented him from visiting Germany, he was recently presented with the opportunity to join a delegation of regional Jewish leaders who were traveling to Germany. Even though he was hesitant to agree to this commitment, he ultimately decided to overcome his reluctance in order to learn more about how anti-Semitism is affecting Jewish communities. He wanted to find out how Jewish communities thought about not only their future, but also the future of their children. Jewish communities in Europe constantly feel threatened; therefore many individuals choose to conceal their faith in public. For example, German Rabbis often hide their yarmulkes under hats in order to avoid these anti-Semitic acts. Some individuals are taking even more extreme precautions by moving to other countries, such as Israel. With anti-Semitism continuing to transpire, Ross is concerned whether these acts are going to continue to escalate and eventually create something much more

They believe that we Jews weren’t good enough to

He says that he too must be a Jew for he is afraid of what his people and his society have become. Many years ago, in the "ancient days," it would not be such a shock to see the Jews enslaved in Egypt or crucified as a means of torture and death, but even in modern times the same things are going on-he still has the marks from where the nails pierced him. The author has used classical examples of Jewish persecution which every one knows is gone in the physical sense, but show how they still exist in the theoretical aspect, as the persecution is still occurring.

Throughout the history of the world, the Jewish people have been persecuted and oppressed because of their religious beliefs and faith. Many groups of people have made Jews their scapegoat. Jews have suffered from years of intolerance because people have not understood what the religion really means. They do not understand where and why the religion began, nor the customs of it's people. For one to understand the great hardships, triumphs, and history of the Jewish people one must open-mindedly peruse a greater knowledge of the Jewish people and faith.

does not fully understand how and why the Jewish people are being, so horrifically treated.

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

With every great story line comes a theme. William Shakespeare created an art of intertwining often unrecognizable themes within his plays. In Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, one hidden theme is the idea of homosexuality. This theme might not have even been noticed until modern Shakespeare fans discovered them. According to Alan Bray’s book, Homosexuality in Renaissance England, “the modern image of ‘the homosexual’ cannot be applied to the early modern period, when homosexual behavior was viewed in terms of the sexual act and not an individual's broader identity.” (Columbia University Press). This difference between homosexuality as a “sexual act” and an

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare portrays Shylock as a victim throughout the play, but as he seeks revenge towards the Christians and everyone who has done him wrong, Shylock defends himself with some villainous behaviour. To a modern audience, the discrimination and suffering Shylock experiences, place him as a victim. Throughout the play, Shylock, a Jewish money lender, is perceived as a greedy and miserly man due to his Jewish culture. In Shakespeare's time, exploitation of Jews was common; particularly in Venice as it was an anti-Semitic city. However, Jews thought of themselves as victims of harassment and oppression. Shylock has been discriminated against, but nevertheless seeks revenge on people who have done him wrong which displays another side to Shylock. Therefore, Shylock is viewed as a victim and a villain, but more of a victim because of the abuse he has suffered.

thinking. “What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason, how infinite in

The Merchant of Venice was created between 1596 and 1598, it was published as a comic, romantic, tragic in 1600. The play has many struggles in it but the main ones are Bassanio's quest to marry Portia and his attempt to free Antonio from Shylock's deal. The idea that Shakespeare's representation of Shylock is unquestionably Anti-Semitic will be impacted in this essay because thought this book Shakespeare portrayed Shylock as Anti-Semitic.

In the play the ‘Merchant of Venice’ by William Shakespeare the antagonist Shylock is both the victim and the villain. Shylock is a Jewish moneylender and is initially portrayed as anger filled and bloodthirsty but as the play continues we begin to see him as more human and his emotions become more evident. As the antagonist, Shylock is a fearful adversary to Antonio, the protagonist. But as good begins to win over evil, Shylock is crushed and we see evidence of his mortality in his grief. Shylock changes significantly though out the course of the play and he is formed into a too complex character to be labeled just victim or villain.

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

Everything is not as it seems. In other words, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This message is applicable to racial discrimination and stereotypes. For example, from the 1200s to the 1600s, Europeans discriminated against Jews extensively. This was most prominent in Venice and England. Jews were forced to live on an island called the Ghetto in Venice and were cruelly oppressed throughout history in the Italian city.. In the 1200s, Jews were banned from England. Finally, they started to come back in the 1600s but had limitations because they were known for their high intelligence compared to the English, as well as in Venice. In Venice they were only allowed to be usurers, or loaners that demand high rates of interest, which is something

The Merchant Of Venice is structured partly on the contrast between idealistic and realistic opinions about society and relationships. The play tells us mercy is preferable to revenge. Shylock chose revenge over mercy against Antonio and how his choices affected him. The Court of Venice begging mercy of Shylock. Finally, Portia forgiving Bassanio for giving away his wedding band.