A modern attitude would be much different because most people are against racial hatred, colour prejudice and class distinction.
The Christians in the play – especially Antonio and his friends, who did not hide the fact they hated Shylock - treat him as if he is a villain. Shylock was spat on and laughed at because he was a Jew,
“You call me a misbeliever, cut throat dog and spit upon my Jewish gabardine”
(Act 1, Scene 3, Line 7)
A modern audience would think this treatment to a person just because of their religion is unfair.
All of the Christians in the play referred to Shylock as Jew, hardly ever as Shylock
“We all expect a gentle answer, Jew” The Duke of Venice
“Tarry, Jew:” – Portia (judge)
Shylock only talks to Christians because of his business dealings, he hates them, because he thinks they are patronizing to his Jewish religion. You can tell that he hates Antonio in particular because of how keen he is to get the bond back or his pound of flesh.
In court when Portia (the judge) tells Antonio to
“Prepare your bosom for his knife”
(Act 4, Scene 1, line 243)
Shylock is excited and happy when hearing this
“O noble judge! O excellent young man!”
(Act 4, Scene 1, line 244)
Shylock admits his hatred for Christians is irrational and emotional.
Shylock thought that a simple invitation of dinner by Bassanio was mocking his religion
“Yes, to smell pork; to eat of the habitation which
your prophet the Nazarite conjured the devil into”
(Act 1, Scene 3, Line 30)
Another reason for Shylock to hate Antonio is because Antonio lends money to his friends, without asking for interest, Reducing Shylock’s profits.
The way Shakespeare portrays the character of Shylock is very stereotypical. Shylock is very religious and hates Christians (mainly Antonio) who speaks badly of the Jews. Shylock is described as being very sinister for the fact that her was prepared to take a pound of flesh from Antonio even if he will certainly die because of this.
Shylock arranged his deal with Bassanio in a public place, Shylock was very cautious when finalising the loan, he explained the terms very carefully to make sure they are perfectly understood.
“ three thousand ducats; well”
“For three months; well”
Act 1, Scene 3, Line 1 & 3
According to Jessica, life at home with Shylock was terrible
“Our house is hell,
Act 2, Scene 3, Line 2
Shylock did not approve of Jessica’s relationship with Lorenzo, he was very wary of leaving her alone
“There are my keys.”
Act 2, Scene 5, Line 12
“Lock up my doors”
Act2, Scene 5, Line 29
After Shylock left Jessica alone, she ran off with Lorenzo.
Launcelot Gobbo is Shylock’s servant, he accuses him of not feeding him properly and wants to run away and work for Bassanio. He has to decide whether to stay or work for Bassanio:
“ The fiend at mine elbow,
and tempts me, saying to me, ‘Gobbo, Launcelot
Gobbo, good Launcelot,’ or ‘good Gobbo,’ or Good
Launcelot Gobbo, use your legs, take the start, run
Away.’ My conscience says, ‘ No; take heed, honest
Gobbo”
Act 2,Scene 2 Line 1 – 7
Launcelot does not like the Jew at all he describes him as being like the devil.
“Jew, my master is a very kind of devil”
“The Jew is the very devil in carnation”
Act 2
Shylocks behaviour in court changed dramatically, at first he was all ready to cut off a pound of flesh from Antonio, and said there was no way he would accept the money back,
“If every ducat in six thousand ducats
Was in six parts, and every part a ducat,
I would not draw them. I would have my bond.”
Act 4, Scene 1, Line 85 - 87
When Portia (the judge) said that he is indirectly planning to kill Antonio, because he will die from his injury he was prepared to accept the loan to be let off.
The duke wanted Shylock to show mercy on Antonio, but shylock insisted on is pound of flesh.
Shylock is still unmoved when Portia (the judge) makes a speech in praise of mercy
Shylock has bad luck at home with Jessica running away with Lorenzo, and taking his wife’s ring a diamond and other precious jewels.
He was very upset about this
“Thou stick’st a dagger in me: I shall never see my
gold again”
Shylock has extremely bad luck in court when he thought he would get his revenge on Antonio, for all the discrimination he has done to him, but when Portia tells him of the penalty for killing someone Shylock takes his punishment and leaves.
Shylock wasn’t treated very fairly by the Christian characters in the play, especially by Antonio.
I think Shylock does get what he because he indirectly tried to kill Antonio. Jews believe in revenge and Christians do so Shylock knew he would be able to get his own back somehow.
