Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Merchant of Venice- Anti-semitism

 

            Anti Semitism was a strong theme in the Merchant of Venice. This play was considered a comedy in its day which suggests that the English thought it was funny to see Shylock persecuted for believing in the Jewish faith. The friends of Shakespeare who decided that Merchant of Venice was a comedy, justified this by saying the play was about love and marriage. These people left out the part when Shylock lends money to Antonio, and but a deal was made that Antonio would pay Shylock or have a pound of flesh removed. Antonio did not repay Shylock, but a clever lawyer discovered a way to ruin Shylock's plans and makes Shylock loose everything. This play is not a comedy but a curel portrait of life as a Jew. Shylock's life was full of discrimination, which in turn made Shylock a bitter man. Shylock turned the other cheek many times and in return was taken advantage of by Christians who believed that Shylock was evil. .
             Anti Semitism was apparent in the very beginning of the play. Not everyone was introduced by using their name and religion but Shylock was. It never said "enters Antonio the Christian" but it did say many times "Enters Shylock the Jew." (pg. 27) This was done to make sure that Shylock stood out in the crowd, he was not to be treated equal and everyone was made aware of this. The Christians would have had nothing to do with the Jews but the Vatican passed a law that no Christian can lend money and expect to be paid back with interest. This meant that, all Christians had to go to a Jew to borrow money because they were not under the rule of the Vatican. Shylock was a lender, he hated all Christians because they would talk bad about him and then ask to borrow money. "Let me say "amen" betimes, lest the devil cross my prayer, for he comes in the likeness of a Jew" (pg. 95) Solano said this about Shylock just because he didn't let Antonio renege on his bond. Shylock made a deal and was not going to let Antonio renege just because he had fallen on bad times, they would not have done it for him.


Essays Related to Merchant of Venice- Anti-semitism