Shylock starts showing his humanity to them “hath not a Jew eyes? If you prick us do we not bleed?” This is a very famous quote saying that we are all human and we should treat each other as such and thus Shylock is definitely a victim here.
But to Shylock what goes around comes around. “The villainy you teach me I will execute.” He is saying here that all the bad things that he will do he will have learnt from Christians I think that he can’t blame it all on how he has been treated as he is has been a very bad man but some of his evil can be blamed on the Christians because they have treated him so badly.
The court room scene is the climax of the play. The Duke and other members of the court are biased against Shylock because he is a Jew and as they are all Christian. “A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch, Incapable of pity, void and empty from any dram of mercy.” Shylock is hypocritical because he goes to synagogue every day but he still does not receive the messages from god in showing mercy. The duke calls Shylock an inhuman wretch which is very harsh towards him. Shylock is being picked on in the court which makes him a victim.
The duke is racist as he refers to Shylock as “the Jew” he calls Shylock by his religion which can be a very prejudiced because Shylock is not even in the court. An Elizabethan audience would have not found this shocking because they were used to treating Jews as lower beings.
Shylock gets allot of abuse and victimisation in the Merchant of Venice and sometimes he deserves it because of how cruel he is towards others. Shakespeare also drops lots of clues to make us think that Shylock is a villainous character.
Jessica describes Shylock’s house; “Our house is hell.” When she describes living with Shylock as hell she reinforces living with Shylock is like living with the devil.
We learn more about Shylock from this short scene. “But yet I’ll go in hate, to feed upon The prodigal Christian.” By using the words hate and fear it is further evidence of the metaphor that Shakespeare uses when describing Shylocks hatred for Antonio. Shylock refers to Antonio as “The Christian” which makes them both refer to each other by their religion which makes it more important than their person. An Elizabethan audience would find that Antonio has the right to call Shylock a Jew however Shylock does not have the same rights; a modern audience would find them both very racist.
Shylock has been waiting a long time for his revenge and now it seems to have fallen into his lap when Antonio asks to borrow money. “Three thousand ducats, well … for three months, well … Antonio shall become bond, well.” The repetition of the work ‘well’ shows that Shylock is rejoicing silently at this. He is also stalling for time as he considers how to turn the situation to his advantage. The Elizabethan audience would already have been biased against Shylock as he was Jewish, so they would have been quite happy to see him as a villain. As a modern audience we would understand that Shylock wants revenge as he has been treated so badly by Antonio.
Shylock is a villain in this scene “why dost thou whet thy knife so earnestly?” Shylock thinks he has already won at the start of the scene which is gruesome and overconfident; Shylock is definitely a villain in this scene.
Shylock is very happy to get his bond. “O noble judge, O excellent young man.”At this part of the scene Shylock has been told that he is entitled to the pound of Antonio’s flesh. Shylock uses the word “noble” towards the judge meaning that the judge has made the right choice. To both a modern audience and an Elizabethan audience they would be shocked that Shylock has the right to take a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
Mainly Shylock is described using negative words and therefore this shows us that he is more of a villain that a victim. For example he is a proud man but he is also cruel because he wants a pound of flesh but he is determined to get it, so Shylock is a complex character.
Shylock explains why he hates Antonio so much. “I hate him for he is a Christian but more … he lends out money gratis.” Shylock is just as bad as Antonio because they both hate each other because of money and race he also hates him because Antonio lends money for free which brings business away from Shylock. The Elizabethan audience would have been shocked at this because almost all of them are Christian. As a modern audience we can appreciate Shylock’s point of view and Antonio’s point of view. I think this quote shows that Shylock is a victim because even though Antonio’s bad behaviour is accepted he should not stoop down to his level.
Antonio is not sorry for what he has done “I am as like the so again,” A modern audience is shocked about how callous Antonio is acting. The fact that Antonio is so unrepentant makes Shylock even more desperate for revenge, therefore Shylock comes up with a horrific plan: “let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me”, Antonio’s lack of remorse spurs Shylock on for revenge. In this part of the play Shylock has now revealed how villainous and terrible he really is towards Antonio which makes him just as bad as Antonio, who insulted and spat on him.
Gobbo continues by referring to Shylock as “the devil” three times. Shakespeare is clearly telling us how we should respond to Shylock: he is to be viewed as a villain. Gobbo also implies that he does not want to be Shylocks servant anymore because he is a bad employer: further evidence that he is a villain.
Jessica also says she is “ashamed to be my father’s child” which can be very harsh to show such a bad feeling towards her father, It can also be difficult for Shylock to be a single father in an anti Jewish time.
But Shylock shows that he is a harsh man and that Jessica could not just be exaggerating when he does not even let Jessica look out the window because he is a miserable man and is strict father. “Lock up my doors… Clamber you not up to the casements” I think Shylock is portrayed as a villain in this scene because he is treating his daughter badly and basically locking her in the house, she is not even allowed to see the masques. This shows that Shylock is a very mean father and does not want her to have any fun he would be portrayed as very protective as he has no one left.
Shylock is happy with the news that Antonio’s ships have crashed and he now wants to carry out his revenge ‘Let him look to hid bond.’ Shylock is shown as a villain in the scene because he has no sympathy for Antonio even thought he has lost all his ships. All Shylock is thinking about is his bond and what he can take.
Antonio’s friends have come to like Jessica and feel sorry for her because she had to be a Jew for so long but they still have a very low opinion of her father “there is more difference between thy flesh and hers than between jet and ivory.” Jet is black which is a colour always associated with evil which is a reference to Shylock and ivory is white like purity which is a reference to Jessica.
Through all his loss Shylock’s hate for Christianity and Antonio have grown. “let him look to his bond.” This is Shylock showing that if Antonio fails to pay his bond then he will exact his revenge no matter what they say.
When asked what use a pound of flesh would be he replies that he doesn’t care about what he will do with the flesh. “…if it will feed nothing else, it will feed my revenge.” This is saying that even if the pound of flesh shows no purpose he will enjoy taking it. the use of the word flesh in such a blunt way without caring that it will come from a human being it quite cruel and disgusting in my opinion and a modern audience I think would agree with me.
Shylock is shown as a wretched father who cares more for money than for his offspring “I would my daughter were dead at my foot”. He hates his daughter for taking his money and forsaking her religion for a Christian and a friend of someone he hates. Here he is both villain and a heartless father, what he says is very shocking and harsh, a modern audience would think very badly for this because he is disowning his own daughter.
Shylock wants to bring the eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth to Antonio “ill plague him, I’ll torture him.” There is a reference to the Old Testament in here showing the wrath of God to the pharaoh of Egypt. Shylock is definitely a villain in this scene.
Antonio’s ships have crashed so Shylock wants his bond (the pound of flesh) ‘… It should appear that if he had the present money to discharge the Jew, he would not take it!’ Further evidence of his villainy is shown is this quote.
When he hears that the ships have crashed all he wants is the ‘flesh’ ‘… I have heard him swear … that he would rather have Antonio’s flesh than twenty times the value of the sun that he did owe him.’ Shylock is very villainous and cruel in the fact that even if there is time for the money he just wants the flesh. Also the use of the word flesh in the quote is very bold. An Elizabethan audience would be shocked at how evil Shylock is being but it could also be expected as he is a Jew.
Shylock drags Antonio to the jailor to ask for his bond. “I’ll have my bond, speak not against my bond; I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond”. He mentions the word bond six times as repetition is very persuasive. Shylock is sticking to the law as he has the right to have his bond. He is entitled to do this because Antonio agreed with the terms of the contract. He almost encouraged the pound of flesh. However, we feel sorry for Antonio for Antonio because he is facing certain death.
Shylock is referring to what Antonio has called Shylock in the past and wants revenge on it. “Thou call’dst me dog before thou hadst a cause, but since I am a dog, beware my fangs.” Shylock is being clever here as he is referring to the past and is telling Antonio that he called him a dog so he is being a dog and dogs have fangs and will attack you. Shylock is acting like a dog when he is aggressive and violent. Shylock is also not being totally immoral as Antonio has being teased him for a while. Shylock using the word fangs as a metaphor for the knife going into his flesh. Fangs is also a vicious word. We understand why Shylock is acting this way as he has been called dog and spat on for years and it has built up and now he is letting it all out on Antonio as this is his chance to get revenge.
The duke does not think Shylock will carry out with his bond. “We all expect a gentle answer Jew.” Most people would give in and not go through with it whereas Shylock is so fixated with revenge he will not give in, this proves how much of a villain Shylock really is.
One again Shylock is referred to as a low animal “inexecrable dog … currish spirit … wolf … wolfish, bloody starved and ravenous.” Although Shylock is being abused he deserved it because of the horrible things he is going to do. The use of the word “starved” it is a another metaphor for the hatred Shylock and Antonio both share.
Shylock is ready when the judge asks him is he has any weights to measure the flesh “I have them ready” This shows that Shylock has come prepared for the cutting of Antonio’s flesh. Shylock has come to the court thinking that he would get his bond and has brought everything he needs to take Antonio’s flesh. Shylock refuses to give into portias request for mercy “I crave the law the penalty and forfeit of my bond.” Shylock is very inflexible and determined to get his bond and fee on his revenge. In Elizabethan times people thought all Jews were villains so Shylock was stereotypes. Whereas a modern audience would think that Shylock as a person in very villainous although we can understand the psyaliological damage done by the anti-Semitic feeling at the time in Venice.
Shylock refuses three times the amount of money for Antonio’s flesh ‘Shylock, there’s thrice thy money offered thee. ‘An oath, an oath. I have an oath in heaven.’ The fact the he refuses so much money from Bissanio shows how much he wants to feed his revenge.
We see further evidence of this in this quote ‘Nearest his heart, those are the very words, Shylock wants him to die and has wanted to kill him from the very start, showing that he is a villain and has been very villainous throughout the whole play.
Portia is asking if Shylock if he has someone to help Antonio ‘Have by some surgeon, Shylock… To stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death.’ Shylock never intended for Antonio to survive which would shock him and the audience.
Shylock is getting annoyed about how long it is taking ‘We trifle time; I pray thee pursue sentence.’ He explains that he wants to take the flesh now as he is getting restless. This is villainous as he does not want to stop and think he just wants the flesh and to end the life of a person, this is very villainous because of his eagerness
Shylock responds badly to the turn of events “pay the bond thrice and let the Christian go”. Shylock accepts the money because he now knows revenge is out of the question. He also refers to Antonio as the Christian which shows the racial hatred in the courtroom.
Shakespeare crates a strong woman in the character of Portia: this would have appealed to Queen Elisabeth I who would, no doubt, have had the play performed for her at the palace. Modern women would also respond positively to her as well, so the play can still be enjoyed as a comedy today.
Portia defeats Shylock by manipulating the language of the law and the bond “If thou dost shed one drop of christen blood, thy lands and goods are by the laws of Venice confiscate unto the state of Venice.” Portia goes by the letter of the law that Shylock demanded, he is getting his comeuppance. He is a victim by his own schemes; the audience would have cheered in Elizabethan times whereas a modern audience would have been relieved for Antonio.
Portia says he can only have the original sum: “the Jew shall have all justice, soft, no haste, He shall have nothing but the penalty.” She shows all pursuit of the law by giving him nothing but the actual amount of money; he will only get the 3000 ducats. As Shylock showed Antonio no mercy he will receive no mercy. The Elizabethan audience would be thrilled at how Shylock is being worn away at the court room. A modern audience would have mixed views because some would have thought Shylock is getting what he deserves but others may see it as him being almost tortured.
Portia turns the tables on Shylock by examining the bond in munte detail. “If thou tak’st more or less than a just pound… thou diest, and all thy goods are confiscate.” When Portia refers to justice which is what Shylock really wants but it backfired for him and shows great irony. Shylock is now facing death instead of Antonio. Shylock loses all his goods and money which is his main love in life which will really damage him because he has nothing else left. “He shall have merely justice and his bond”, Portia says justice again to show repetition and reinforce the irony. She shows no mercy to Shylock like he showed no mercy to Antonio. An Elizabethan audience would be pleased that Shylock is getting beaten and Queen Elisabeth would be especially pleased that Shylock is beaten by a woman.
Portia kicks Shylock when he is down. She already knows that he has lost but she still wants to toy with him until he is completely defeated. “Shall seize one half his goods, the other half cones to the privy coffer to the state… and the offenders life lies in the mercy of the duke only… Down therefore and beg mercy of the duke.” Antonio gets half of Shylock’s money and goods which make Shylock distraught, Shylock could also lose his life. Mercy is referred to twice. This is because Shylock did not show any mercy before in the courtroom so he now that the tables have turned he is showed no mercy.
At the end of the trial scene, Shylock is crushed. Certain characters are pleased about his misfortune whereas a modern day audience would have mixed feelings. In my opinion I think that Shylock got what he deserved but it was a shame that he deserved something so bad.
The Duke gives his verdict. “I pardon thee thy life before thou ask it. For half thy wealth, it is Antonio’s; the other half comes to the general state.” The duke, a Christian is being very merciful with Shylock even when he was cold hearted. Shylock loses all his money and half of it goes to Antonio whom he already loathed so he will become unemployed and the fact the he has lost what he loves will destroy him. It is ironic how the loan of the money started the bond and the bond caused him to lose all his money. An Elizabethan audience would be satisfied at this but a modern audience may take pity on him.
Antonio gets his revenge in a cunning way “For this favour he presently becomes a Christian; the other that he so records a gift,… of all he posses unto his son Lorenzo and his daughter.” Now that he also has to give up his religion which is basically all he cares about other than money would leave him distraught, An Elizabethan audience would think Antonio is magnanimous. Shylock now has no choice but to lose religion and his money which would ruin him.
In conclusion I have mixed views about whether Shylock is a villain or a victim because of how he was treated throughout the play. He also seemed to get more and more villainous after all the anti-Semitism and when his daughter leaves with all his money. There is evidence of him being a villain, for example the bond which was truly terrible but never the less his refusal to show mercy in the trial scene could have been because of how the Christians treated him. In my opinion Shylock was hoist by his own petard but he is a victim of a racist society.