I feel that the evidence to suggest he is evil is much greater than the evidence which supports the concept that he is a victim. There are many incidents to show that he is a villain. In the play there is a point for me from which I can no longer sympathise with shylock. This point comes after the escape of his daughter and his wealth to the Christians. Shylock says;
“I would my daughter dead at my foot, and the jewels in her ear.”
I cannot understand the mentality of anyone who could possibly wish their own daughter to die just for the sake of some jewels and money. This must prove his utter insanity and true evil self if he could say such a terrible thing. Another representation of his villainous attributes is when he hears of the misfortunes of Antonio in losing his ships. This therefore means that he cannot repay the loan given to him by Shylock before it is too late and so Shylock can have a pound of Antonio’s flesh;
“Go Tubal, fee me an officer, bespeak him a fortnight before. I will have the heart of him if he forfeit, for were he out of Venice I can make what merchandise I will.”
So Shylock is saying that he wants Antonio dead so he can operate his business without him interfering. It seems that money is always on Shylocks twisted mind and he wants it whatever bloodshed has to happen so he can have it.
Even though all this suggests that he is a villain I still feel that he is a victim at times too. I say this because sometimes it doesn’t surprise me that Shylock wants revenge. Shylock has been spat upon all his life for doing one of the only jobs he is allowed to do. There is some evidence to show that he is treated harshly and it comes from Shylock’s own mouth;
“He hath disgraced me, hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies – and what’s his reason? I am a Jew.”
This quote shows the kind of day to day treatment administered to Shylock by the Christians. It is no wonder that he acts so evil and cruel when he gets the odd chance for it is just revenge for the repeated cruelty shown by the Christians.
Also in those times and indeed today usury or money-lending is a necessary evil. The Christians mock and curse Shylock and his partners even though they are lending vital money to their economy all the time. This is something that Christians due to their religion are not allowed to do. Also the Venetian laws stated that Jews could conduct only a few jobs, one of which was usury. In spite of these points I feel overall inclined to condemn Shylock as a villain, for his evil deeds stand out more prominently than his good ones.
