Is Shylock a man more sinned against than Sinning? Discuss, with reference to the text of the play

IS SHYLOCK A MAN MORE SINNED AGAINST THAN SINNING? DISCUSS, WITH REFERENCE TO THE TEXT OF THE PLAY It is believed that that Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice, between 1596 and 1589. At the time England was a Christian country, and the Jews were a misunderstood, prejudiced and marginalised people. They were often forbidden to own land or engage in trade in England so the only occupation open to them was money lending which they exploited to the full, Christians were forbidden to practice usury and the Jews were constantly portrayed as greedy misers and money-lenders. So before the plot even starts, Shylock is condemned by the audience for being a Jew and a vicious moneylender. Shakespeare took a big risk in this play; if he portrayed Jews well, so that the play offended the queen or if the audience disliked it and took offence, he could have lost his life! Luckily for Shakespeare, he was able to time invoke the audience's hatred for the "most impenetrable cur", but at the same capture sympathy and understanding from the audience towards Shylock. A measure of Shakespeare's achievement is that the play allowed a range of different interpretations of Shylock; people left the theatres with mixed emotions about Shylock. He is one of the most complex characters in English literature and scholars today still debate whether Shylock is more a villain or a victim. In the course

  • Word count: 1121
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

"It is money, above all, that produces conflict and concord throughout the play." Discuss the truth of this statement with close reference to The Merchant of Venice.

Literature: Merchant of Venice 2) "It is money, above all, that produces conflict and concord throughout the play." Discuss the truth of this statement with close reference to The Merchant of Venice. Definitely, Merchant of Venice tries to highlight the great influence of money, touching on the theme of money and its side effects. At the start of MOV, Bassanio is seen asking Antonio, a rich merchant, for 3000 ducats so that he can "win in marriage the rich and beautiful Portia of Belmont". And so, Antonio reluctantly burrows money from Shylock, a Jew, to lend Bassanio. So, the story developed from the bond of Antonio to Shylock. A second instance of money being a main issue is found in Act 1 Scene 2. Portia is heard saying she is "aweary of this great world". The reader finds out that her dead father left her a will, with his assets, however stating a condition: If any suitor intended to seek Portia's hand in marriage, he would have to choose the correct of three chest (gold, silver or lead). And only if he chooses the correct one, would be eligible for marriage. In accordance with the depiction of Shylock as the antagonist of this play, his servant, Launcelot leaves for greener pastures (money-wise), considering such actions only necessary ("To leave a rich Jew's service, to become / The follower of so poor a gentleman"). Also, Shylock's daughter is seen secretly falling

  • Word count: 659
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Merchant Of Venice Is Shylock a Villain or a Victim that Deserves Our Sympathy?

Carley Jones - English Merchant Of Venice Is Shylock a Villain or a Victim that Deserves Our Sympathy? I think that the role of Shylock remains a popular one because Shylocks character can be open to interpretation. He can be played as a merciless old miser or as a persecuted bitter old loner. I don't think that I would class him as neither a villain nor a victim, as he is a Jackal and Hyde sort. Throughout the play we see various sides to Shylock. We see him as a greedy moneylender, a Jew who is suffering from anti-Semitism and we meet many other personalities of his. Many reasons that have led me to believe that Shylock is a victim are his daughter, Jessica, ran off with all of his treasures and money. Not only that but she ran off with a Christian, one of the things that he is against as he is a Jew, she not only stole from him but went against his beliefs too. Even though I feel sorry for Shylock because of this, I still think he over-reacted when he wished Jessica dead at his feet. I don't know whether it was because he was enraged about her stealing off of him or because she ran off with a Christian. Another reason why I regard Shylock as being a victim is because he was refused Antonio's pound of flesh even though he should have received it because of the bond they made. I think this is unfair because even though Shylock was expecting a lot, i.e. Antonio's life,

  • Word count: 1144
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Justice in The Merchant of Venice

The Oxford English Dictionary explains 'just' as 'that which is morally right'; this definition would lead a person to believe that there is an element of humanity in justice. This, however, happens to be a particularly modern view on justice, a view which has been altered and warped over the years but it is reflected in the views of the Christians of the Merchant of Venice. This is because they are sympathetic to Antonio, however, Shylock's definition of justice is somewhat different to this, and it is his definition of justice, which later is his ruin. He sees himself as someone who has done no wrong and therefore has no need for any compassion towards him. This is shown when Shylock says "What judgement shall I dread, doing no wrong?" line 89 Because of this, Shylock sees justice as the letter of the law, precisely what the law dictates and thus comes across to the audience as a monster, as many Jews were viewed when Shakespeare wrote this. Shylock is the exact personification of the Elizabethan stereotype of a Jew, with a hatred of Christians and his practice of usury (the lending of money) is described as a fiend right from his entrance to the play in act 1 scene 3 where his first words are over money. "Three thousand ducats, well" This scene moulds the minds of the audience in their opinions of Shylock as he seems calculating and sinister as he dwells with great

  • Word count: 1466
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Merchant of Venice- is he a victim or villain

"It seems as if Shakespeare was determined not to create a 'stage villain' who would always evoke a simple, hostile response. Shylock is a most complex and dominating character; he appears in only five scenes and yet for many people he is the centre of the play's interest." In the light of this quotation discuss Shakespeare's representation of the character and evaluate whether Shylock is entirely evil, a victim of persecution or a mixture of both. In the 'Merchant of Venice' it can be argued that Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, undergoes a metamorphosis from victim to villain. The character has a very controversial portrayal and some what vague. However, in this essay I hope to reach a conclusion to whether or not Shakespeare was determined to portray Shylock as a victim of persecution or a classical 'stage villain' who would evoke a simple and hostile response. During the course of this essay I will be considering the following aspects; the various staged productions and how through out the ages, societies interpreted Shylock's character and the recent film adaptations of the production. In relation to the quote, it does seem true to say that Shylock has a dominant and complex disposition. He seems to go through an emotional rollercoaster which in effect has an impact upon the audience. Shylock's character, throughout the years of the play's performance, has been

  • Word count: 2113
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Why I do not admire Shylock

Why I do not admire Shylock. Shylock is a very complex character from the Merchant of Venice. He is a Jewish money lender in Venice and is very bitter as he is mistreated by the Christians for being Jewish. Shylock is also very cunning. He launches revenge upon Antonio whom he hates where he lends him money but if Antonio cannot pay him back by a certain date then he must give a pond of his flesh which means that he would probably die. Although you can feel sorry for Shylock for being ill treated for being Jewish you can still dislike him for being a horrible person which he is. For example in the court scene he is offered three times as much money if he will spare Antonio's life but he does not take it. Also he says "I would my daughter were dead at my feet". This is not very nice. This is because his daughter Jessica stole his ducets and his late wifes ring and eloped with a christian. That is another reason to feel sorry for Shylock for the fact that he is a widow. Also when Shylock finds out that Antonio's ships have sunk he is very happy. This is very cruel and as soon as he hears about it he demands the money back knowing that Antonio will not be able to pay it back. Also in the court he is given many persuasive speeches (Portia's being the most persuasive.) to show mercy yet he does not and everything goes wrong for him at the end of the play. Shylock does however

  • Word count: 573
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 2 - Describe Portia's Suitors, and discuss her opinions of them.

Naomi Kibbler Merchant of Venice Act 1 Scene 2 Describe Portia's Suitors, and discuss her opinions of them. This is the first scene that we see Portia and Nerissa, her maid. Although one works for the other they are still close friends despite this and talk to each other in an honest and friendly way. Shakespeare introduces them to us in this way because it gives a large amount of information that the audience need to know, it also gives the audience a good indication to what these two characters are in fact like. In the conversation that takes place between Portia and Nerissa we (the audience) learn of what situation both the characters are in. We learn that Portia's father has recently died before Portia has become engaged; we also learn that she has inherited all of his wealth. Her father has stated in his will that Portia must marry a man that completes the puzzle/challenge that he has devised. We learn in the very beginning of the conversation that Portia is feeling down and sad at the world, because she feels "curbed by the will of a dead father" She feels that it is unfair on her that her father has set this challenge to all the suitors that will now come to try to woo her, she feels that it is more unfair that she cannot choose or refuse who her husband will be. The task that has been set by Portia's late father is a challenge designed to make sure that the

  • Word count: 1914
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

How do you regard Shylock: as a victim, villain or something else?

How do you regard Shylock: as a victim, villain or something else? This essay will be divided into two sections. The first will deal with the background of Jews in Shakespeare's time and people's attitudes towards them, it will also deal with people's attitudes towards money-lending (usury). The second section of the essay will concentrate on 'Shylock- victim or villain' before the trial scene. The third section of the essay will look at Shylock during the trial and conclude whether he is or is not made the victim of the trial. Jews in Shakespeare's time were often seen as evil and were openly despised by Christians. This situation came about because of the trial of Roderigo Lopez, (Queen Elizabeth's respected physician) in 1594. The Earl of Essex ruined Lopez and destroyed what good image was left of Jews. Most Jews at this time would have lived in either Italy or Turkey. If a Jew lived in Turkey then they could be guaranteed a good life and be completely free citizens. In Italy, however, they lived in ghetto's despised by the Christians and other non-Jews. They were ill-treated and seen as the lowest of society. What is important to take into account is that history dates the Merchant of Venice as at the earliest being written in 1594, and at the latest in 1598. This means that Shakespeare wrote the play in a time when there was a general anti-Jewish feeling

  • Word count: 1284
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Merchant of Venice How should we best understand shylock - villain or victim?

Merchant of Venice How should we best understand shylock - villain or victim? Through time there have been many successful individuals in literature writers, poets, and play writers. But many would argue that one individuals work and character has stood out from the rest and this special illustrious person being William Shakespeare. In the many dramatic pieces of theatrical production written and the diverse individuality he ahs been able to write about many characters created through great though and open imagination. But one of the most famous fictional and criticised Jewish personality's of English literature was created by Shakespeare, by the name of Shylock. Shylocks character remains highly problematic, mesmerizing but also debatable but stays complex within Shakespeare collection of works. Of lasting significant, shylock being the first Jewish male figure on stage continues to be dominant, in his mythical representation. What has been done in order to achieve this? Shakespeare's true skill and talent allows him to create characters invested with psychological realism generating his creations with several appraisals and interpretations. It's debatable to say neither his characters no their antagonist in situation being shylock and the Christian abuse are ever entirely obedient or corrupt. Evaluation in to where the significant role of the money- lender is

  • Word count: 1810
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

I think the passages demonstrate negative feelings and attitudes between the two religions, Judaism and Christianity.

I think the passages demonstrate negative feelings and attitudes between the two religions, Judaism and Christianity. I think this is because of the history of Jews living in the Christian community, which dates back many years. In medieval England, the money lender or usurer was a sinner therefore you can imagine how Shylock was treated by the Christian community in Venice, the Christian Church was openly abusive to Jews, calling the Jews money making criminals. Many people depended on ShylockÆs loans for help although no one really accepted interest which they had to pay back along with the sum of the money, which was borrowed. Shylock gained success in his money lending. Shylock made it clear that his relationship with Christians was strictly business, Shylock said: "I will buy with you, sell with you, talk with you, walk with you, and so following; but will not eat with you, drink with you, nor pray with you." This passage tells us that Shylock was willing to offer his profit-making services to Christians but was not prepared to socialise with them. One person who also depended on ShylockÆs loan was Antonio. Shylock agreed to give Antonio the three thousand ducats he required but did not charge interest instead he said if Antonio could not pay him back he would have his bond, which was one pound of flesh of AntonioÆs, one pound of flesh would virtually kill Antonio.

  • Word count: 3373
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
Access this essay