Merchant of Venice - Central themes

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Merchant of Venice - Central themes One of the central themes of the play is that of justice, the right to proper and fair treatment for individuals, these scenes seem to be the same in a different outlook of the trial. From these scenes especially you can gather Shylocks view of the prejudice against him “…will be worth a Jews eye” which helps the reader to understand his actions further on. You see in these scenes Shylocks dissatisfied with every one including his daughter, “…I have a Father, you a Daughter, lost.” This is the final comment made when they separate after a long argument over a comment Lancelot made, also this quote has humour as he does lose his daughter but leaves too quickly to listen. Even though Shylock uses discrimination as a reason for some of his actions Jessica is seen as a Jew but still has the respect of Christians. “Most beautiful pagan, most sweet Jew…” Lancelot who is a Christian complements Jessica this proves there can be respect between cultures and the slander against Shylock is not because he is a Jew. Jessica is not a stereotypical woman of that century, she is strong willed and knows what she wants
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“would not have my Father see me in talk with thee.” Jessica always speaks her mind “Our house is hell…” Lorenzo as a man of that period would not want a dominant woman. An example of were she does this is when Jessica sends a letter to Lorenzo telling him about what he has to do, “She hath directed how I shall take her from her Fathers house.” In usual circumstances a woman such as Jessica would not marry into a lower class than her self. The language that she uses seems to be better spoken than her Father “… ...

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