There is duplicity in Shylock’s character that Shakespeare eloquently weaves throughout. He is a shrewd businessman, yet he is kind. Shylock’s conversation with Antonio and Bassanio in act 1, scene 3 is representative of all the ambiguity in his life. While Shylock plans to work with Antonio and Bassannio, he will not dine with them because of his r

eligious beliefs. Shylock is a Jew. Some would say his being a Jew was not intended to be of importance. However, his being a Jew links strong support to the internal conflicts within him.

It is fair to criticize Shylock also for his meddling in the romantic lives of the other characters. He is manipulative and overly concerned with material items, painting a picture of a man who is obsessed with possessing worldly goods. While on the surface it appears tragic and the reader is sympathetic towards Shylock, underneath it all the reader can feel rewarded in their thoughts that good and justice will always prevail.

In the end, even though she seems to be somewhat cunning in pulling her husband’s chain, Portia reveals all of herself and her deeds to him. A woman of strong ideals, she truly loves her husband. Portia doesn’t need sympathy from the reader because the w

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