Victim of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ Depends on Point of View Essay Example

undesirability associated with being Jewish when she tells Lancelot, 'I shall be saved by my husband, / he hath made me a Christian', implying that Judaism is something to be 'cured' of and feeling ashamed of it. Throughout the play, it is evident among all characters that being Jewish is equated with some form of evil or wrongdoing, thereby providing the audience with a predominantly negative perception of Shylock. The numerous insults directed towards Shylock in the play frequently focus on his religion, such as 'harsh Jew, dog Jew, faithless Jew', and this constant mistreatment greatly impacts the audience.

However, the text can have two contrasting effects on the audience. On one hand, it may lead them to develop a prejudice against Shylock, aligning themselves with the "good" Christians. On the other hand, it might evoke sympathy towards Shylock's position and the insults he has to endure. Early on in their interaction, Shylock introduces his religion to Bassanio by mentioning his aversion to pork and his belief that the Nazarite prophet summoned the devil into it. This brings forth the issue of conflicting religions. Additionally, he quickly expresses his hatred for Antonio due to his Christian faith. Initially, the audience dislikes Shylock because it appears that he despises Antonio for no valid reason other than his own personality. However, as the play progresses, we learn the cause for Shylock's animosity towards Antonio – Antonio's prejudice against Jews. The derogatory names and actions that Antonio directs towards Shylock, such as calling him a misbeliever and a cut-throat dog while spitting on his Jewish gaberdine, shift our perception of Shylock from a villain to a victim at

the hands of the Christians. What makes Shylock particularly vulnerable is his isolation from all other characters, especially in Venice. Throughout the play, he lacks any real companions or friends except for possibly his daughter. Consequently, when she elopes with a Christian, it devastates him even more.Even though she also feels uncomfortable about Shylock, she describes their family situation as a 'house of hell' and admits that she is 'ashamed to be my father's child.' This suggests that his loathing in Venice is not only due to his religion, but also his personality. The fact that even his own flesh and blood dislikes him generates strong negative feelings towards Shylock. However, amidst the love and unity portrayed in the play, one can't help but feel sorry for him as he is incredibly lonely. This isolation makes him a pitiable character, but it can be argued that he brings it upon himself and prefers it that way. If the Christians were in the minority among Jews, Shylock would not be friendly towards them, as it is part of his character and the reason he is disliked in many situations. It is difficult to determine who is the true antagonist in the mutual dislike between Shylock and the Christians. Does he hate them because they are mean to him, or are the Christians mean to him because he hates them? Nonetheless, he isolates himself in response to their taunts.

Shylock's isolation is evident in his speech in Act 3 Scene 1, where he tries to align himself with the Christians and emphasize their shared humanity. He questions whether Jews and Christians are not both capable of feeling pain

and being affected by the same circumstances. Despite their differing religions, Shylock highlights the commonality they share as members of the same species. This suggests that Shylock may possess a greater understanding than the Christians, who prioritize social status and wealth in Venice. However, it is unlikely that his bigotry would diminish, as he remains subjected to the same prejudices. Shylock's desired revenge, while somewhat understandable given his circumstances, is a cruel and shocking concept for the audience to contemplate.

The text highlights Shylock's unfavorable reputation and how his desire to kill the now poor Antonio further intensifies it. This inclination would be particularly seized upon by audiences who hold anti-Semitic and anti-Shylock views as evidence of his Jewish involvement in atrocities. Such an act goes against Christian principles of forgiveness. The beginning of Act 4 Scene 1 focuses on imploring Shylock to show mercy. However, once Shylock is proven wrong and Portia takes control, the Christians, in their harsh revenge, do not demonstrate any compassion or forgiveness towards him. They strip him of his religion and wealth, which were his most cherished possessions. The court scene is a pivotal moment in the play and serves as Shylock's final appearance.The treatment of Shylock in this scene is both interesting and unfair. If he were truly the victim of this play, one would expect Shakespeare to bring him back towards the end for a resolution. However, Shylock exits like a typical villain, facing revenge from the Christians. He is then humiliated and banished, losing his religion and wealth - two defining traits of his villainous character. The play constantly highlights his wealth, positioning him superior to the

Christians who appear to have none. Furthermore, the Christians have even taken his daughter from him, further completing his downfall. This scene poorly portrays Shylock as a victim.

The protagonist arrives at the court, consumed with grief over the tragic loss of his daughter to his adversaries. He seeks justice in a world filled with animosity and bias. It is pitiful how he desperately clings to the principles of Christian law, believing it will aid his quest for retribution. His sole determination for revenge, as evident in his repeated phrases "I will have my bond" and "look to the bond," is lamentable. It is disheartening that he lacks any support or allies in this unforgiving world.