... to call thee so again, to spit on the again, to spurn thee too." (Antonio- 1,3,126-7) Antonio is the symbol of racism in society and he openly exhibits it. He is not phased in the least after Shylock's downfall. Shakespeare displays the repugnant effects of hatefulness in The Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare demonstrates love in The Merchant of Venice amongst the Christians. He also distinguishes between the love of friendship and marital love. In Act 4, Shakespeare implies ... renowned suitors." (Bassanio- 1,1,161-9) The Merchant of Venice is a play both about love and hate. This can be...

• Word Count: 1018
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... group on forced marriages, a forced marriage is one where one or both parties are under physical or psychological pressure to enter the marriage. It is said that the individuals have a choice in arranged marriages. But do they really? In The Merchant of Venice, Portia is arranged into a marriage by her deceased father. In act 1 scene 2 line 18-23, Portia expresses her feelings about her fathers arrangements ... when she stood up to her parents and refused to marry. Arranged marriages take away freedom and independence of the individuals involved. One of the most important choices of a p...

• Word Count: 900
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... are not purely good or purely evil, but a combination of the two. An individual cannot be completely good, nor can they be completely bad. Everyone does both right and wrong and are greedy and generous, are able to love and to hate, and are full of revenge and mercy. In "The Merchant of Venice," Shakespeare shows us the true human condition through his characters' actions. They are completely ... human. The "good" characters are not perfect, and the "bad" characters have feelings and reasons for their actions. They do not always do what is expected ... ...

• Word Count: 766
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School