To what extent does Shylock deserve what happens to him in the merchant of Venice?
William Shakespeare’s, ‘Merchant of Venice’, is essentially a drama ab push through money, betrayal and revenge. fixed in 17th century Venice, it tells the account of a trash between an affluent Jewish money lender, Shylock, and a hurried Christian Merchant, Antonio. Antonio seeks assistance from Shylock by securing a lend from him for Antonio’s good friend, Bassanio. This was foolish of Antonio because, for years, he has persecuted Shylock and some(prenominal) of them share a hatred for each other. Shylock agrees to this loan, tho states that if he is not repaid, he is allowed to cut off a pound of Antonio’s flesh. All is resolved when Portia, Bassanio’s wife, interferes and, mask as a law clerk fools Shylock out of his “bond”.
Originally, we understand Shylock to be quite a vengeful character because of the “bond” he makes with Antonio. However, once we bang the reasons why Shylock made such an agreement, we believe him to be quite reasonable.
Shylock lives in an environment where Jews are despised, specially by Christians, and in Act 1, Scene 3 he makes it clear to the audience why he is cruel to Antonio:
“ legion(predicate) a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
most my moneys and my usances
Still I have borne it with a patient shrug, for long-suffering is the badge of all our tribe. You call me misbeliever, cut- throat dog and cast upon my Jewish gabardine.”
This extract reveals that Shylock has been victimised and bullied by Antonio, and the enounce “many a time”, suggests that it constantly takes place. He continues to give voice the he has “borne it with a patient shrug” which conveys that he has a good side because he has tolerated the abuse and has responded to it calmly. The expression “ calmness is the badge of all our tribe” also...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay
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