Shakespeare's Presentation Of Shylock.

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Daniel Evans

Shakespeare’s Presentation Of Shylock

When we first meet Shylock in scene three he contemplates over the deal that has been proposed to him by Bassanio and Antonio, we see Shylock’s business side, which is a moneylender, this was the typical portrait of an Elizabethan Jew. This is where he says that Antonio is ‘good’ to pay him back but still does not trust him because he keeps all his wealth out on the sea which could be taken any moment by pirates so Shylock demands more by Antonio being bound as well.  Shylock is not easy to convince but Antonio plays on Shylock’s hate for him to convince him, but Shylock shows how easily he will carry out the forfeit on Antonio with out a conscience.  Also when Shylock says “I will buy with you” showing that he will do business with Christians then he says, “I will not eat with you” showing that he does wish to socialise with Christians at all, this sums up his approach to the Christians in general.

When Antonio enters the mood changes Shylock turns defensive and is less relaxed in business like he was with Bassanio. Shylock shows his disgust for Antonio as he is a Christian and should not be a moneylender because Christians were not supposed to practice usury. But Antonio’s good business affects the rates for the rest of moneylenders in Venice, but Antonio’s selective generosity as well would make it hard for Shylock to make money and because Antonio is a Christian, Shylock’s presents his hate for Antonio clearly and explains his hate by how he would he would like to catch Antonio at a disadvantage which he has.

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  Shylock also demonstrates how strongly he believes in Judaism by the way he says, ”he hates our sacred nation and he rails” and “cursed by my tribe if I forgive him” these lines show how great insult Shylock takes from Antonio’s behaviour to Jews.  All of the above is justified by Antonio saying, “spit on thee again”, Antonio agrees to this because he is a man of honour.  I feel that the bond Shylock proposes to Antonio to take a pound of his flesh in a way is sadistic but this has come about because of all the ...

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