Shakespeare’s presentation of Shylock throughout the play Essay Example

gained significant popularity, prompting Shakespeare to write 'The Merchant of Venice' in an attempt to replicate the success. Furthermore, during this period, there was a highly debated trial involving a Jewish person.

Queen Elizabeth's Portuguese doctor faced accusations of treason and attempting to poison her. Despite being found guilty and executed in 1594, it later became known that he was likely innocent. This event served as another motive behind Shakespeare writing 'The Merchant of Venice' during this period, as it would captivate an audience interested in a play featuring a malicious and heartless Jewish character. Similar to 'Macbeth' and his historical plays, Shakespeare's inspiration for 'The Merchant of Venice' did not originate from an original idea. The core plot can be traced back to a collection of Italian stories called 'Il Pecarone' ('The Simpleton') authored by Ser Giovanni Fiorentino in 1558.

During the 16th century, money lending for profit became legally permissible, despite being deemed a sin by most Christians. With the growing demand for funds from businessmen and noblemen, borrowing money at high interest rates became common. This public fascination with money lending might have influenced Shakespeare to write 'The Merchant of Venice' during this era.

In 'The Merchant of Venice', Shakespeare examines various facets of Shylock's character, such as his profession as a moneylender, his role as a father, the mistreatment he endures from Christians, and his conduct during his trial. These components play a pivotal role in determining whether Shakespeare portrayed Shylock in a derogatory way or not.

The importance of Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock as a moneylender lies in the fact that his character is defined by this profession, which in turn affects his treatment

by other characters who harbor a Christian hatred towards moneylenders during that time period. Shylock believes that his occupation is respectable and honest, whereas the Christians argue that it is sinful. In Shylock's initial scene (1:3), he references two stories from the Book of Genesis in which Jacob deceives individuals (including his own brother in the first story) to acquire what rightfully belongs to them. This illustrates the notion that making a profit from others' misfortunate circumstances is considered righteous:

"This was a way to thrive, and he was the best:
And thrift is a blessing, if the man does not steal" 1:3:85-86

This excerpt suggests that the Jews hold an opposing viewpoint to the Christians, asserting that not only is profiting from others' misfortune not a sin, but their interpretation of these stories suggests that it is even blessed. The Christians, driven by their disdain for both moneylending and Shylock as a Jew, despised him for these reasons. However, Antonio and Bassanio still found themselves in need of borrowing money from Shylock despite these sentiments, with Shylock being the first to acknowledge the irony.

"Dear sir, you spat on me last Wednesday...

Shylock despises Antonio not only because he hates Christians but also because Antonio lends money without charging interest, which Shylock sees as a grave sin. However, despite his animosity, Shylock is on the verge of lending Antonio three thousand ducats. This hatred is evident in his first words to Antonio in Act 1, Scene 3: "I hate him for he is a Christian; but more for that in low simplicity he lends out money gratis and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice."

Even at this moment, Shylock's animosity towards Antonio can be attributed to both religious principles and his financial interests, which hold considerable importance to him alongside his beloved religion. Being burdened by his race, Shylock feels both a sense of righteous indignation and an overwhelming feeling of superiority. Antonio's actions of lowering the interest rates threaten Shylock, as a Christian not bound to the moneylending caste, and elicit envy in him, fueling his secret desire for Antonio's wealth and influence. These factors continually set him apart from the Christian community throughout the play and his life.

During Elizabethan England, Shakespeare's audience held strong xenophobic attitudes. The treatment of Shylock in 'The Merchant of Venice' reflects the prejudice towards Jews that was prevalent during that time. The play prominently explores themes of race, religion, and xenophobia, along with greed. In the beginning of the play, when Antonio and Bassanio request a loan of three thousand ducats from Shylock, he lists the mistreatment he has endured:

"You call me misbeliever, cut-throat dog,

And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,

...And foot me as you spurn a stranger cur" 1:3:107-114

Shylock's bitter disposition and his demand for a severe bond can be partially attributed to the constant mistreatment he has faced throughout his life. Additionally, Shylock loses his servant, Launcelot Gobbo, because the latter refuses to work for a Jew.

"To make a decision, I must consider my conscience. If I choose to stay with my master, the Jew (may God bless him!), it's like being under the influence of a kind of devil. On the other hand, if I run away from the Jew, I would be controlled by the devil himself (excuse my

irreverence)."

Launcelot is contemplating whether to leave Shylock or not. He personifies his conflicting thoughts as his conscience (which urges him to stay) and the fiend (which encourages him to leave). Ultimately, he agrees with the fiend ("The fiend gives the more friendly counsel"). This scene highlights further persecution against Shylock because of his faith, as it implies that he is a fair master.

At the lowest point of Shylock's despair, following the loss of his daughter and his money, which many believed he valued more than his daughter, Solanio and Salerio are overheard describing and mocking Shylock's emotional outburst: "I have never witnessed such a confused, peculiar, outrageous, and unpredictable display of passion as the Jewish dog expressed in the streets." (2:9:12-14) Upon learning of his daughter's betrayal, although this information comes from a biased source, Shylock apparently began crying out for his daughter, his money, and vengeance. This explains why Solanio referred to the cry as "unpredictable". It appears that in this passage, Shylock demonstrates more concern for his wealth than for his own daughter and desires revenge upon her. When Shylock finally appears, he must respond to the sarcasm from Salarino and Solanio, which escalates into a merciless verbal attack. In response, Shylock delivers a timeless speech: "I am a Jew. Do Jews not have eyes? Do Jews not have hands, body parts, dimensions, senses, emotions, passions?" (3:1:54-56) This speech elicits sympathy from the audience, which may not have felt much compassion before. It is in this speech that Shylock appears most vulnerable - it seems to be a desperate plea from the heart rather than his usual sharp and sarcastic remarks.Shylock questions

why Christians view him as inferior, despite being equal to them. The Christians respond by laughing, deeming it beneath them to even entertain such a notion.

Shylock is not depicted as a model father, as evidenced by his interactions with his daughter, Jessica, in one scene. In this scene, Shylock appears to be preoccupied with business matters and seems inattentive towards Jessica. He even shares derogatory comments about Christians in her presence, indicating that he often discusses his work with her. However, this scene only provides a limited glimpse of their relationship, therefore portraying Shylock as an inattentive and controlling father. Some even argue that he treats Jessica like a slave, as he repeatedly calls her and becomes irritated when she does not immediately respond. Although there is minimal evidence in this scene to support Shylock's portrayal as a father, he does instruct Jessica to lock up and not attend the Masque ball, causing her to part with bitter words.Shylock suggests that if luck is on their side, he has a lost daughter and the speaker has a lost father. This implies enduring hardships and the speaker's opinions not being taken into consideration. However, it is possible to argue that Shylock believes he is acting in his daughter's best interests.

Act two scene eight presents a compelling depiction of Shylock's prioritization of money above his own daughter. His inner conflict is vividly expressed through his exclamation, "My daughter! O my ducats!" Although this evidence is derived from a secondary source, its impact remains noteworthy. The sheer inhumanity of valuing ducats over one's own flesh and blood, or even entertaining such a notion, is bound to deeply unsettle

the audience. In turn, it perpetuates the oscillation of the audience's sentiments towards Shylock: oscillating between hatred and pity. Shakespeare's masterful manipulation of audience emotions is exemplified once again, showcasing his renowned talent.

In Shylock's next scene, he faces criticism from Salarino and Solanio and delivers the famous "Hath not a Jew..." speech. Additionally, he receives disapproval from the audience because of his statement:

"I would my daughter were dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear" 3:1:83-85

This statement reveals much about Shylock; it shows that he is unable to forgive. He holds a grudge against the Christians for their actions towards him, and now he cannot forgive or comprehend his daughter's betrayal. Furthermore, his greed is apparent as he values his stolen jewels more than his own daughter's life. While audiences may be shocked and disgusted by Shylock's desire for revenge against his own flesh and blood, it is important to understand that the Jewish faith adheres to the principle of "an eye for an eye." Therefore, if Shylock was raised with this belief, it becomes understandable why he seeks revenge on Jessica.

The trial at the end of Act 4 Scene 1 of "The Merchant of Venice" is a result of Shylock's request for a loan from Antonio. Antonio fails to repay the loan within the agreed timeframe of three months. Shylock had agreed to lend three thousand ducats to Antonio, but insisted that if the money was not returned on time, he could cut one pound of flesh from Antonio's body. This scene serves as the explosive finale of the play, bringing all the intricate sub-plots and the main storyline together.

One reason Act

4 Scene 1 is dramatically effective is the tension between Shylock and Antonio. At the start, there is a sense of injustice since Antonio is seated while Shylock stands before the Duke, contrary to usual practice in a Venetian court. This gives the impression that Shylock is on trial instead of Antonio, who has resigned himself to his fate of suffering with quietness of spirit.

Strong emotive language, such as "Poor merchants flesh," is used to emphasize that Antonio has already suffered enough. Additionally, Antonio faces stress from the trial and the loss of his argosies earlier in the plot, leading to anxiety and financial loss. These reasons make the audience sympathize with Antonio, despite Shylock being the defendant. Shylock further reveals his disregard for money and his desire to cut Antonio's flesh, showing his hatred towards him.

"So I can provide no explanation, nor will I, other than a deep-rooted hatred and intense disgust I have for Antonio," (4:1:59-61). This portrayal of Shylock depicts him as a villainous and selfish character, driven by his desire to kill someone and keep their flesh solely because of his animosity towards them. Shylock himself acknowledges this, stating, "say it is my humour" (4:1:43). To further emphasize this depiction, Shylock proceeds to sharpen his knife on the sole of his shoe in preparation for Antonio's murder ("whet thy knife" 4:1:121). This disturbing action evokes grotesque and gory images in the audience's mind, heightening their anticipation of bloodshed. Up until this point, they may have believed that the protagonist would triumph and save Antonio, making Shylock the clear antagonist and villain in this simplified version of the story. However, this action

challenges their beliefs and alters their perceptions. The imagery of blood and horror continues when Gratiano compares Shylock to a wolf - "Governed a wolf...bloody, starved and ravenous" (4:1:134/138). This evokes dramatic thoughts and conjures images of a bloodthirsty monster who will stop at nothing short of murder. Wolves are often portrayed as the "bad guys" in fairy tales, further reinforcing the notion that many may view Shylock as the antagonist if the story is simplified. Prior to Shylock sharpening his knife on the sole of his foot, Nerissa enters the court dressed as a lawyer's clerk, followed by Portia entering as a "doctor of law".After evaluating the evidence, she concluded that according to the law, he is entitled to claim the pound of flesh. Shylock's reaction upon hearing this was one of overwhelming joy, as he exclaimed, "O noble judge! O excellent young man!" (4:1:245). This demonstrates his masochistic nature, as he is ecstatic at the prospect of cutting off a piece of someone's flesh. The use of exclamation marks emphasizes his intense excitement. It further underscores Shylock's determination to carry out his plan of cutting Antonio's flesh, now that he has been given the opportunity. Additionally, he is fully prepared for the task and even has scales ready to weigh the pound of flesh, asking, "Are there balance here to weight The flesh? I have them ready" (4:1:253-254). Despite Portia's plea, Shylock is so sadistic that he refuses to provide a surgeon to ensure that Antonio does not bleed to death, saying, "Have by some surgeon, Shylock, on your charge, To stop his wounds, lest he bleed to death."

Portia explains that according to

Act 4, Scene 1, lines 255-260 of the play, the bond allows Shylock to cut Antonio's flesh without shedding blood. However, Shylock quickly changes his request and asks for the three thousand ducats instead. Despite this change, Portia refers to another law which prohibits foreigners from conspiring against citizens of Venice. This proves that Shylock has violated the law. Consequently, he is instructed to give half of his possessions to Antonio and the other half to Lorenzo and Jessica after his death. Furthermore, Shylock is compelled to convert to Christianity.

Shakespeare's portrayal of Shylock in his play "The Merchant of Venice" is frequently criticized for being derogatory towards Jews, which reflects the prevailing practice during the Elizabethan era. Negative depictions of Jewish characters were widespread in literature at that time. Nevertheless, it is crucial to investigate whether Shakespeare adhered to these literary conventions or forged his own path.

At the start of the play, in Shylock's first scene (1:3), the audience is faced with a moral dilemma - whether to sympathize with Shylock and his reasons for refusing to lend Antonio and Bassanio the three thousand ducats (the 'You call me misbeliever...' speech 1:3:102-125) or to focus on the bond he insists on and feel unsympathetic towards him. Throughout the play, the audience goes through a range of emotions towards Shylock, constantly shifting between hatred and pity. However, this initial sentiment generally remains with individual audience members throughout the entire play.

"The Merchant of Venice" by Shakespeare addresses the enduring problems of racism, xenophobia, and greed in our contemporary society. Despite its age, this play remains pertinent as it exposes these societal issues while also conveying a timeless

message about love's ability to conquer obstacles, a recurring theme in Shakespearean works.

Shakespeare's depiction of Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" can be seen as derogatory, with the character being presented as cruel, selfish, and vile. Shylock also shows sadistic tendencies and has a masochistic fixation on obtaining his pound of flesh. This portrayal reinforces negative Jewish stereotypes of the time, including being money obsessed and working as a moneylender. However, despite these flaws, the play allows for moments of pity and sympathy towards Shylock, highlighting how societal influences led to his transformation into a resentful and vengeful individual.