The Merchant Of Venice by Shakespeare Essay Example

Bassanio attempts to win Portia's affection by borrowing money from Shylock, while Nerissa, Portia's lady in waiting, falls for Gratiano.

The juxtaposition of Belmont and Venice highlights the contrast between a serene environment focused on doing right versus a tense world centered on business. Portia upholds her father’s wish to marry whoever selects the correct casket and follows through when she instructs the noble prince Morocco, “Go draw aside the curtains and discover the several caskets to this noble prince no make your choice.” Despite the pressure in Venice, Belmont remains a place of peace and harmony where the right path is taken.

According to the quote when she is with Prince Morocco, Portia follows her father's wishes by presenting him with various caskets to choose from. This highlights the stark contrast between the challenging realities of life in Venice and the fairy tale-like atmosphere of Belmont. During Elizabethan times, characters like Lancelot were often included as clowns to provide humor for the audience. In this play, you will find yourself laughing both at and with Lancelot, particularly during the scene where he pokes fun at his own father.

During the conversation with his father, Launcelot initially denies his paternity but eventually confesses. This kind of humorous teasing of elders is a traditional comedic device. When Bassanio arrives, Launcelot behaves foolishly, similar to his father. His name Gobbo, which means hunchbacked in Italian, corresponds to his physical appearance.

During a conversation with Bassanio, Launcelot purposely speaks in a foolish manner by exchanging words such as "short" and "long" in the phrase "the short and the long is". This creates comedic confusion. Shakespeare also used word play in

this play, as evidenced by Launcelot's statement "I hope, an old man, shall frutify unto you", where "frutify" means to bear fruit and the actual word intended was "notify".

Both Lancelot and Gobbo are the only comic relief in the play. Lancelot, specifically, is known for providing moments of levity to break away from dramatic or romantic scenes. During one memorable moment, Lancelot's father, who is blind, comes to meet his son who proceeds to mockingly ask if he looks like a cudgel, a hovel-post, a staff, or a prop. This exchange is considered humorous by Shakespearean audiences because Lancelot is treating his father with scorn despite the fact that he is blind. Additionally, while Portia does perpetuate stereotypical views about her suitors, she does so in a humorous manner that could be deemed offensive by a modern audience.

Although Nerissa scrutinizes the newcomers, Portia holds them in disdain, which comes across as disrespectful since they have made an effort to visit her and she dismisses them disdainfully. Furthermore, even though she is aware that her negative remarks are inaccurate, she still criticizes others.

During Act 1, Scene 3, Shylock openly declares his dislike towards Antonio, stating, "I hate him for he is a Christian." This statement reveals that Shylock despises Antonio purely because of his faith. In Act 2, Scene 5, Shylock's demeanor shifts from calm to mocking, highlighting potential stereotypical behaviors. Despite never having engaged with Antonio directly, Shylock forms biased opinions based on preconceived notions.

"The Prodigal Christian" paints a broad brush over all Christians, accusing them of being too quick to squander their resources. This sweeping statement perpetuates harmful stereotypes as it

assumes every Christian is wasteful without exception. Ironically, the audience may find empathy for Shylock due to his difficult past.

Being Jewish has caused others to undermine him, and Shylock's only source of income, through usury, is disapproved of by Christians. In Act 1 Scene 3, just before Antonio's comment, Shylock shared a story from his faith. Antonio's remark, "The devil can cite scripture for his purpose," portrays Shylock as a devil who can manipulate words to his advantage. The audience may empathize with Shylock as he is being labeled a devil for expressing his religious beliefs.

Shylock's recent misfortunes, including the flight of his daughter, have subjected him to ridicule and demonization. This trend continues in Act 3 scene 1, where Solanio and Salerio mercilessly mock him for his loss. Salerio's remark that "There is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between jet and ivory" highlights Shylock's growing isolation and marginalization.

In Act 5, the conclusion is satisfactory with an examination of the ideas of justice and law. Shylock is defeated, although he is given numerous chances by Portia to simply take the money and depart. Nevertheless, he chooses not to do so.