With close reference to act 1 and act 2 of 'The Merchant of Venice' Explore Shakespeare's dramatic presentation of Shylock and

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With close reference to Act 1 and Act 2 of ‘The Merchant of Venice’, explore Shakespeare’s dramatic presentation of Shylock and Antonio evaluating where your sympathies lie

Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ explores the feud between a Christian, Antonio, and a Jew, Shylock. Superficially, it would seem that Shylock is a typical villain, whilst Antonio is a supportive and compassionate antagonist. Shakespeare has use juxtaposition for more contrast amongst the play. The Elizabethan audience may relate this play to a tragic-comedy, with Shylock as the villain. Although, on the other hand, it could be that Shakespeare has invented both these characters to reveal the true hypocritical nature of the Christian characters in the play.

Elizabethan attitudes towards Jews were dictated through the horrific execution of Roderigo Lopez in 1594, which led to the Christian rejection and stereotyping of Jews in England. Shakespeare has reflected this in his play, by adding a stereotypical Jewish character. Shylock is proud of both his race and religion, and for this, he is mocked and scorned at by the Venetian society. In support for Shylock, the audience may feel sympathetic towards him because not only does Antonio ‘spit upon’ him, but also, throughout the play Shylock is mostly referred to as the ‘Jew’, ‘dog’ or ‘devil’. This is significant because it instantly degrades Shylock. It makes it clear that Antonio does not see Shylock as an actual person, but rather, an object, a ‘Jew’. By doing this, the audience will unconsciously, dislike Shylock because Shakespeare has made Antonio the more controlling and authoritative antagonist.

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Early in the play, a different side of Antonio is shown; he is illustrated as a malicious and pitiless man. For, not only did he ‘spit’ and ‘spurn’ on Shylock, he also claims that he would ‘spit on thee again, to spurn thee too.’ These highlights the great extent to which Shylock has faced with the torment from Antonio. Shylock can be seen as a victim of racism, through the content of his speech. All the appalling things make the audience feel empathy towards Shylock, and it is further backed up with the style of language used by Shakespeare. ...

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