The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Essay Example

to repay by the specified date, he must surrender "an equal pound of his fair flesh, to be cut off and taken from any part of his body that pleases Shylock." Antonio fails to see through Shylock's false kindness and agrees. Shylock's creation of such a merciless bond sets himself up for potential disaster; he has significantly raised the stakes. Shylock's own choices in seeking justice prefigure a potential downfall, as Antonio will likely defend himself with the advantage of being a Christian. Whether Shylock would actually carry out the terms of the bond remains uncertain until his daughter, Jessica, elopes with a Christian.

Shylock's reaction to his daughter's flight is an unfiltered display of anger. This is the moment in the play where he delivers his famous 'Hath not a Jew' soliloquy. He provides a logical argument for his cause against Antonio and firmly insists on receiving his bond. Shylock's determination to pursue his bond suggests that he was driven to the edge by uncontrollable circumstances, but it is important to note that Jessica's departure was partly a result of Shylock's actions. She describes their house as hell before leaving, indicating that Shylock is to blame. Perhaps Shylock has forgotten the importance of maintaining close relationships, especially during difficult times. His isolation from society and from himself leads him to act recklessly.

During the climax of the play, in the courtroom, the majority of the cast comes together to discuss Shylock's bond and make a judgment. Unfortunately, this judgment will always be influenced by anti-Semitism. Shylock presents his argument to the Duke, who is acting as a judge, seeking justice. However, deep down, Shylock knows that

he is unlikely to find it in a Venetian court ("I follow thus a losing suit against him [Antonio]"). Despite being offered three times the amount of money he lent and urged by Portia to accept it, Shylock insists on taking Antonio's flesh. This decision is not only morally wrong but also ironic because (even though Portia claims that "the quality of mercy is not strained") the Christians will never show him mercy for his misguided attempt on Antonio's life.

In conclusion, Shylock's downfall can be attributed to the anti-Semitic culture in which he lives. It seems that Christians were permitted to show no mercy, while Shylock was not granted the same right to be ruthless. Despite his circumstances and the challenges they pose, Shylock's choices play a significant role in his unhappy ending. Nevertheless, I maintain my belief that Shylock is a tolerant individual.

The conversion of the character to Christianity in Shakespeare's play represents a significant theme - the absence of acceptance towards Jewish individuals. It remains uncertain whether Shakespeare himself sympathized with Shylock, but his skillful depiction of Shylock's viewpoint implies that he might have. Personally, I genuinely empathize with Shylock as I perceive him to be caught in an impossible predicament and deserving to be regarded as a fellow human being. In fact, "Doesn't a Jew possess hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions..." - undoubtedly they do.