1. The Merchant of Venice
... not eyes? if you prick us do we not bleed? Stresses the common core of humanity that lies beneath the exterior of Shylock's complex character. A note of hypocrisy occurs here; a mere seventeen lines after this plea, he is ranting and raving over the theft of his money by his only daughter, Jessica. With very strong language, Shylock wishes that Jessica ?Were dead at my foot ... than he loves her. Portia not only frees Antonio at this point but also convicts Shylock of attempted murder. Shylock cannot go through with the bond and is forced to give up his fortune and to convert from Jewry...
- Word Count: 1866
- Approx Pages: 7
- Grade Level: High School