... were looked down upon. For this reason, the character of Shylock was able to be added as a villain with the adverse characteristics of a stereotypical Jew without Shakespeare having to worry about "political correctness" as we see it today. This adds another element to the play's historical significance as Shakespeare was able to write without social constraint whereas today's authors simply could not get such racist ... modern audience, however, Shylock simply seems to be reacting to the way he has been treated by society; "Fair sir, you spat on me Wednesday last, You spurned me a day;...

• Word Count: 809
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... a 'villain'. Shylock's anger is expressed when he highlights the fact that he will be seeking revenge upon the Christians when he says 'the villainy you teach me I will execute', and declares he will do it better than they have, when he claims 'I will better the instruction'. These phrases indicate Shylock's fury at the fact that Christians are hypocrites and ... scene emphasises the importance of the values and ideas of religion. Through this, it is demonstrated that the values and ideas of religion endures important to today's society as its relevance in Shakespeare's t...

• Word Count: 927
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... not to his manners." Making her final decision, Jessica leaves the home that she grew up in as a Jew to the vastly Christian streets of Venice confidently stating, "Farewell; and if my fortune be not crost, I have a father, you a duaghter, lost." Shylock's uncontrollable rage described by two of Antonio's friends, Salerio and Solanio, indicates that Jessica obviously meant a lot to him ... . Losing her friendship, or at least working father-daughter relationship, further establishes the tensions Shylock must experience in being an outsider. As if losing his daughter isn't enough, Shylock'...

• Word Count: 738
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate