"...no, no,: my meaning is saying he is a good man is to have you understand me that he is sufficient."
knows may lose his - where all his is invested - but he is still prepared to lend him the money. This would make the audience think he is and up to something.
"...and then there is the perils of the waters, winds and rocks. The man is notwithstanding sufficient.... I think I might take this bond."
Shylock has made the bond for three thousand ducats and to me is taking a very . The audience would now consider why he is prepared to make such a risky bond. This shows great contrast between the two main characters. Antonio is trying to help a friend whilst Shylock may be trying to use Antonio’s kindness to unveil an evil plot against the merchant. One of the for examining Shylock's character is - lines 98-121 when we begin to learn a little about Shylock's and . In this speech there is for him to be perceived as not only a but a too. Shylock may at this point be thought of as a victim in the content of his speech. He talks about the horrid things that have happened to him. All these terrible things make the audience think he is a , this is backed up with his style of ; he uses such as: "suff'rance" and "borne it" which make the audience show . A use of a tricolon when talking about his suffering:
"You call me misbeliever, cut throat dog and spat on my Jewish gabardine". Shylock accumulates all his sufferings persuasively to the audience to make him appear more vulnerable. The use of the tricolon gives rhythm to Shylocks speech. Shylock uses and here - - which suggest because poetry is used by more in Shakespeare’s previous plays,
"Still I have borne it with a patient shrug".
Shylock then seems to come back to his original character as a villain. He asks “Hath a dog money?” this is obvious sarcasm and in Shakespearean times this would not be , making the audience no longer with Shylock. This would now make Shylock seem a villain.
Shylock's use of plosive words suggests great anger.
"Shall I bend low, and in bondman’s key with bated breath and whisp'ring humbleness." The hissing "s" sounds suggests and ; not qualities of a victim. These lines show Shylock getting carried way with fury and would definitely make the audience think that he was a villain. Shylock is almost exploding with emotion at this point and this shows the great difference between him and Antonio. Antonio seems soft and happy to be able to help a friend whereas Shylock seems angry and only interested in defeating Antonio. This will stay in the audiences mind and help them develop an understanding of the characters. This is because this is not only the first time they meet Shylock but also the first time they see the two main characters together.
In these early scenes Antonio is generally performed as a wise man, who has many friends and also who the audience is sided with. Shylock is shown as an old, evil man with a great anger around him; though it does depend on the time at which the play was presented. For example after the holocaust there would not be much hate towards the Jews. This is the turning point in time at which many people (including Christians) felt compassion and sympathy towards Jews. They knew that they had helped to isolate the Jews but people were now open to the idea that all religions should be given respect and that there should not be any religious prejudice. In the 16th century Jews were not considered to be as morally correct as Christians. The audience in the 16th century would expect Christians to be the wise, popular characters and the Jews would be expected to be evil and a villain. Shakespeare would have been aware of the audience’s expectations. It is possible that there would have been no interest, in the 16th century, for a play that had equally honourable roles for Jews and Christians. The attitude that Shylock and Antonio have towards the bond made in the play is also very important when comparing the contrasts of these characters. In many of the older productions (when Jews were looked down on) Shylocks character would spend a lot of time and effort deciding on a bond for Antonio. This would make Shylock seems more malevolent. However newer versions of the play may show the bond as being almost a joke, as in ‘The Merchant of Venice’ a Michel Radford film production. In this film only when Shylock is hurt does he actually decide to go through with the bond. This would definitely make Shylock’s character more approachable to the audience. The audience is much more likely to have sympathy for a man acting out of upset and pain rather than a man trying to get revenge on a Christian.
Antonio’s character is also looked at very closely when he makes his decision to accept it. When the play was first shown it was directed to show that Antonio was trying to prove to Shylock, by confidently accepting the offer in a rather obstinate manner, that the Christian faith is better then the faith of Judaism. When Antonio is played in this way he sees this as another way to be better than or beat the Jew, Shylock. It is easy to interpret how Shakespeare would want these characters to be played. However the way that the play would be directed over time would change according to the general views of Jews in the country.
As the play continues through the acts Shakespeare tries to develop the audiences’ understandings of the characters so that they can later make a judgement of them.
In act 2 scene 8 we learn a lot about Shylocks relationship with Christians in general. Salarino and Solanio are discussing the events of the previous days, especially about Shylock’s reaction when he found out that his daughter was missing with his money and jewels. When describing Shylock it is obvious that they have a strong dislike of him. They call him a ‘dog’ and describe his actions as ‘strange’ and ‘outrageous’. They recount Shylock’s speech exclaiming his great upset over his daughters disappearance and his loss of money.
'My daughter! O my ducats! O my daughter!
Fled with a Christian! O my Christian ducats!
Justice! the law! my ducats, and my daughter!
A sealed bag, two sealed bags of ducats,
Of double ducats, stolen from me by my daughter!
And jewels, two stones, two rich and precious stones,
Stolen by my daughter! Justice! find the girl;
She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats.'
They also use the expression of Shylock’s actions as being ‘variable,’ this says a lot about Shylock’s character. This statement may show that Shylock’s true colours are starting to show. After all, in the following scenes Shylock’s ‘evil’ side is shown, he refuses to display any signs of mercy in the court room scene. Solanio may mean that Shylock’s character has a unusual way of reacting when he lost his daughter. The word variable may suggest that Shylock cares more about his money then his daughter. If you had to count up the amount of times he exclaims about his daughter’s disappearance to his money’s disappearance he seems more concerned about the loss of his riches, with him using the word daughter 5 times and the word ducats 6 times! Shylock’s speech could sway the audiences’ opinion of him in two ways. They may think that Shylock’s reaction is very out of character for him. This would make them have more sympathy for Shylock after all there are not many other parts in the play where he gets emotional. If this were the case it would show Shakespeare’s development of the Jew, he is building a soft, vulnerable character for the play. However this speech may also show that Shylock is a cold man with no feelings towards other humans, only a thirst for his own wealth. Towards the end of this speech he stops referring to Jessica as his daughter and as ‘the girl.’ Also at the end the speech seems to be centred more on finding the ducats and jewels rather than Jessica. This would make the audience feel almost hatred towards Shylock. This may show Shakespeare developing the audience’s knowledge of a cruel man that has no other intention in life then to carry out revengeful schemes and be successful financially. Also in act 2 scene 8 Salarino and Solanio discuss their friend Antonio’s situation. They are aware that Antonio is very upset over Bassanio’s departure and plan to cheer him up. This shows that Shakespeare is trying to form a soft, friendly man, using other character’s opinions of him. The audience would warm to Antonio after this scene. Salarino and Solanio are very concerned of Antonio’s future. Solanio is worried of what will happen to Antonio, he says that Antonio has a great temper and that Jessica's elopement would only enrage Shylock and Antonio would be at the receiving end of Shylocks wrath. Salarino is likewise worried about Antonio's future. Only yesterday, a Frenchman told him about an Italian ship that had sunk in the English Channel. He immediately thought of Antonio, hoping that the ship was not one of his. They say that the news about the shipwreck must be broken gently to Antonio because Antonio is a sensitive man. Shakespeare used this scene to shape the audiences opinion of Antonio. The thought of Antonio needing the comfort of his friends both when Bassanio leaves and when the news of a shipwreck must be given to him gently, must make the audience feel great compassion for Antonio
Solanio is a very important character in act 3 scene 1. He gives the audience a lot of information about both Antonio and Shylock in a small snippet of the scene. He is firstly in despair because of Antonio's bad luck, as it is rumoured that a ship of his is wrecked on the English coast. This shows the audience that Solanio has great worry for his friend and just how close Antonio is to him. Solanio is in great despair for he sees Shylock approaching them. This shows the audience how much Solanio must hate Shylock. He is upset when ever he is around the Jew. Shakespeare is obviously trying to build up the tension shown by Shylock and the whole of the Christian community. Shylock then lashes out at both men, accusing them of being accessories to Jessica's elopement. It is clear that Shylock is in great fury over Jessica’s actions. Solanio and Salarnio expect this speech given by Shylock and mock the moneylender. They say that Shylock is wrong to call Jessica his "flesh and blood" as she is as “ivory is to jet, or Rhenish wine is to red wine” compared to Shylock. Shylock reminds the two of Antonios misfortune and he makes it clear that he has heard of the shipwreck. Shylock’s harsh response leads the audience to believe that Shylock is joking no longer about literally taking his bond from Antonio. Shylock is created to be an evil character, who is bent on getting his revenge and his pound of flesh.
At the end of this scene Tubal, a Jewish friend of Shylock, enters. This was Shakespeare’s chance to make Shylock seem like an approachable, friendly character. Instead he uses this opportunity to show just how blood thirsty Shylock is. Tubal says to Shylock that he has traced Jessica to Genoa, where he has heard news of her but could not find her. Shylock again moans about his losses, especially about his diamonds and ducats. He then wishes Jessica dead. This is an example of Shakespeare developing an evil character who is determined to have everything his own way. Tubal then feels the need to cheer up Shylock, by informing him of yet another one of Antonio’s ships wrecked. This may be directed to show that even Tubal, a close friend of Shylock is so scared of him that he fears that if he brings him bad news it may result in Shylock’s anger being directed towards him! This conversation will definitely sway the audience’s view of Shylock. At the beginning of the discussion they may have thought that Shylock was a friendly character as he greets Tubal in a welcoming way. However as the conversation continues it becomes clear that Shylock has evil intentions, not only towards Antonio but towards his own daughter too!
In act 3 scene 3 Antonio begs for mercy from Shylock. However the cold hearted Shylock refuses to let him speak, interrupting him with “I'll have my bond!" 5 times. Salarino tries to comfort Antonio but is unsuccessful. Antonio knows that one of the chief reasons why Shylock hates him so much is that Antonio often saved people who were in debt to Shylock by paying their debts for them. Thus he prevented Shylock from foreclosing and claiming their collateral. He also knows that the Duke of Venice must judge according to the letter of the law. Even if the Duke is a Christian and he hates Shylock there is little he can do to sway the judgment. Venice is an international trade centre; money lending is a major business and cannot be treated lightly. Antonio must pay his debt according to his contract. He knows that Shylock seeks his life, and the law cannot save him. He says that he will be prepared to die but only wishes that Bassanio could be there. Shakespeare is building tension in the play and the audience is on the edge of their seats, either hoping that Shylock will conclude the play by turning good and forgiving Antonio or that Bassanio can come and save him. In this scene Shakespeare develops Shylock as even more of a villain and the audience sees him as an evil man who deserves no compassion.
Antonio is present in the court room at the beginning of act 4 scene 1. He is accompanied by Bassanio and Gratiano. The Duke comforts Antonio before Shylock enters the room. He shows that he is on Antonio’s side, and states that he feels sorry for him. This shows that Shylock is already being rejected by the court. It also sets the sense that the court is Christian and that it will support Antonio’s case. Antonio seems defeated, explaining that Shylock is acting out of revenge and that he will never end his wrath until he gets him. The statement, ‘And that no law can carry me, Out of envy’s reach,’ shows that Antonio has given up all hope. He is aware that the whole of Venice’s money is made around trading. The trading in Venice relies on the law to be enforced, Antonio understands this and is almost preparing for death. Then Shylock enters. The Duke confronts Shylock with a lengthy speech, explaining that he is being very unfair. He says that Shylock will not only leave without Antonio’s flesh but without any money either. The duke makes no attempt to hide the fact that he wants Antonio to win the court case. It almost seems that the duke is fighting Antonio’s case for him. This would show the audience that Antonio is weak and does not want to put up a fight. This will give Antonio sympathy from the audience. The dukes last sentence says ‘we all expect a gentle answer Jew.’ This can be analyzed to tell us a lot more about the court and what Shylock is expected to say next. The ‘we’ shows the audience that everyone is against Shylock as it completely excludes him. The ‘expect’ shows that they are demanding a gentle answer and that Shylock is compelled to react in a certain way. The word ‘Jew’ is used at the end of the sentence as a negative. It puts even more pressure on Shylock. Shylock answers the Duke, refusing to give a reason for his hatred towards Antonio. He says that he wants the pound of flesh from Antonio because he hates him and that the reason why he hates Antonio is unimportant. This may show the audience that Shylock is extremely stubborn and evil, for he is trying to kill a man for no apparent reason. In this instance Shylock does not give his main reason for Antonio as an excuse. He has made it clear all the way through the play that he hates Antonio because Shylock uses usury when he lends out money where as Antonio does not. This results in Shylock losing good business. He does not use this as an excuse in court because he knows that it would make no difference to his case. The court would simply not take this into account in the sentencing because they are all Christian. Shylock seems to be very well-prepared for his case, he comes across very forcefully this has great contrast to how Antonio is presented, as a weak man who is almost given up on his own beliefs and life. At this point the audience will have more sympathy towards Antonio, in modern day terms Shylock is kicking Antonio when he is down. Even in the way that Shylock talks shows that he is serious and not willing to compromise. Shakespeare uses verse when Shylock explains that he is refusing to give a reason to the court for wanting Antonio’s flesh. ‘Some men there are love not a gaping pig;
some that are mad if they behold a cat
And others when the bagpipe sings I’the nose
Cannot contain their urine’ flesh:for affection’.
Strong, short words like ‘pig’ and ‘mad’ are accented. Shakespeare has used verse previously to make Shylock seem evil. In act 1 scene 3 Shylock uses words like ‘spat’ and ’spurn,’ aiming for sympathy, instead it presents him as an evil man; not necessarily because of the words that he uses but the way that they are presented using verse. Shylock’s first speech in act 4 scene 1 will remind the audience of the first time they met him, when the bond was first made. In complete contrast Antonio seems to be quite a different man. In act 1 scene 3 Antonio was a confident man with speeches like ‘Month before this bond expires, I do expect return
Of thrice three times the value of this bond’ belittling the bond, where as now Antonio seems weak and very accepting of his certain death. Gratiano burst out half way through the scene with ‘O, be thou damn'd, inexecrable dog!’ Calling Shylock a dog was the biggest insult Gratiano could give. In the 16th Century calling someone a dog referred to the status, the levels of society. In the ladder God was at the top, then came the Angels and then the Kings and so on. About half way through came the peasants and then the animals and last in the whole list was the Dog. It may have been insulting Shylocks intelligence, appearance and/or personality. There is great heightening dramatic tension on stage in act 4 scene 1 around the middle of the scene. Firstly Portia gives a long speech about mercy and about how it would be a great act for Shylock to let Antonio go. Shylock ignores it. This tells us a lot about Shylocks character. In this scene it is up to Portia, mainly, to decide if Shylock is entitled to his bond. By ignoring Portia’s first argument he is fighting with one of the only people who can help him get his bond. This shows how stubborn he is and how much he really wants his bond. Portia then makes it obvious that she is willing to let Shylock get his bond. This is very suprising as Shylock had just ignored her. Shylock shows just how evil he intends to be towards Antonio. Portia asks him if he has brought a surgeon to the court to remove the pound of flesh. This shows that though Portia seems to show that she is willing to let Antonio pay the debt, she is not evil and does not want death for him. Shylock at this point says that a surgeon is not agreed in the bond, so he has not brought one. He intends to remove the flesh himself. Shylock is just about to kill Antonio in the court, with the audience dreading the worst, when Portia interrupts – unveiling her plan to the audience. She tells Shylock of the ‘finer points of the law.’ That he is not to spill a drop of Christian blood and in fact that he is not allowed to take anything but flesh from Antonio. Portia tells Shylock to have his pound of flesh but if he is to break the law he will lose all of his land and goods, and he will die! Shylock at this point realizes that it is impossible for him to carry out the bond and asks for the money. Personally this shows me that though Shylock seems very confident throughout the play, he has planned and prepared for the worst. He is getting out as quickly at possible. This shows that he is a clever man who always plans for the worst case scenario. Portia (to the surprise of the whole court) says that Shylock shall have nothing but the bond! At this point Shylock begins to leave, accepting defeat. Portia again surprises the court, by saying that Shylock must beg for his life from the Duke. This humiliates Shylock in front of all of his enemies. The end of the scene literally shows the breakdown of Shylock from a confident man who will settle for nothing but his revenge, to a weak individual begging for forgiveness. Antonio says that Shylock should get back half of his money on two conditions. That he leaves it to Jessica and Lorenzo in his will and that he converts to Christianity. Shylock agrees to this and leaves the court room.
The play ends with the audience feeling that Antonio is lucky to be alive and that he has had a victory against Shylock. They will also feel that Shylock has learnt his lesson and that not only has Antonio beaten him but Christianity too! This would be a very important victory in the 16th Century.
