Since early convention of Greek tragedy most narratives always feature an archetypal antagonist in relation to a heroic protagonist. This is because its creates more of an atmosphere and adds a certain depth to a plot; keeping audiences entertained, unaware and unacquainted of any major turns and twists in the plot. But in some cases the villain is used to give the hero problems and once the hero overcomes the predicament, the way in which the hero is represented after is with more ligancy, dominance and as a fictional liberator.
The role of traditional antagonists is that to interfere, in most cases with heroic proceedings. In addition their part is to be the reason and intentional cause of down fall of happiness. This often results in a negative reaction from the viewing audience. Also villain’s action might be to discriminate, or to punish others. But usually it’s more mentally than physical actions of abuse and vehemence felt by the victim through the antagonist.
“It is only through praises and persecutions that we will be able to fulfil our objectives” this may sound a bit arraying at first. But to some extend we can relate it to Shylock and the play. The praises might not be made vocal but when the Christians are relying on Shylock for receiving loans to aid the Christians extravagant life styles he must feel in a way it’s praise, but on the other hand he is being used; which is clear. But although as the play progresses and Shylock beings to become victim of Christian discrimination and prejudice, deep down he wants revenge, a backlash against the christens but this may encourage him to fulfil his objective that might be to be accepted for who he is by the Venetian society. This may sound hypocritical to even think for a moment he wants to bind and create friendship but he defiantly won’t be constantly rejected because of his identity.
Our personality is a reflection of the soundings we are from and the people we are around. And Shylock merges into this idea as he was firstly a victim of abused and discrimination, it is only after what Shylock experienced through the punishment of the Christians upon his innocent soul that converted him into the unforgiving individual he’d become, an antagonist.
As Jessica, Shylocks “beloved” daughter departed with a large part of his wealth in addition with Lorenzo a Christian, this left him in a difficult situation. As at the time he didn’t know why she would do such a thing if she loved him; he was constantly analysing himself as a father what did he do wrong for something like this to happen. But on the other hand his situation left him with the mind of that of a monster. A vindictive father who wants his daughter dead, his hatred of Antonio is partly a smouldering and justified resentment for years of persecution, and partly a piece of unscrupulous greed. Shylock is regularly subjected to a vile abuse for no other apparent reason than that he is a Jew. But the Christians make no allowance for the effect on Shylock of Jessica’s loss- in fact they would never accept the idea hat he might have normal fatherly feelings. Despite all this the christen merchants are quite happy to accept loans from him for their extravagant lifestyles. But act 4 is a major blow for Shylock as he is denied the right to his faith, half his money and even his free voice. As he cannot say much, it is once again a case of humiliations once again for poor Shylock. Shylock is just an anti-Semitic stereotype. And like a morality character with principles for financial interests and natural affections have collided together. We can relate this to the following quote
“My daughter, Oh my ducats! Oh my ducats, Oh my daughter!” Keeping this in mind how can Shylock compose the famous great speech against prejudice “Hath Not a Jew Eyes”.
No wonder that Shylock has become a villain as the play progresses his trust with the Christians was betrayed, which was the cause that ruined him. Portia using he reputation preaches to Shylock about mercy and the insufficiency of his ethic of abiding by his bond, then he is ruined through the bond; so how could he ever trust the Christians. The trial scene is very important stage of the play and also plays a large pat of the answer to this question. The trial occurred when Antonio went to Shylock for a large loan a sum of 3000 ducats. And the loan would have to be paid within 3 months, failure of payment within the given time Shylock would have the right and permission in proceeding to take a pound of flesh anywhere from the body of Antonio. Once the bond had been agreed it became non-negotiable. The loan was taken out in aid of his dear friend Bassanio who could then have a chance of love, with the heiress whom is Portia. Portia a key figure in this scene who attended the trial. Venice is a male dominated society, business and law are for men alone and Portia is about to challenge them in their own game. But is Portia the leader of this significant trial between a Jew and a fellow Christian anti-Semitic?
I think yes as she refers to Shylock as a Jew, and not by his name indicates a lack of respect. This might have been done because she is considering her own status. But on the other hand Portia might not be, as she is tying to be on Shylocks side, so he’ll be merciful to Antonio. Shakespeare portrays women to be just an intelligent as men. The situation back at the time of the play was that women were not allowed in the court de to there gender and place in society. Portia is in control during the trial scene. Shylock senses that victory is slipping way and is mentally forced to agree to accept a financial settlement of this bond. There is also legal prejudice involved as Portia reveals another trap for Shylock. If a foreigner plots to kill a Venetian the punishment by law should be confiscation of all wealth, and possible execution. Half of the wealth what ever it may be going to the state and the opposite party in trial; duke decides execution.
Shylock does not receive a fair tail as there is a lot of prejudice involvement from the jury towards him before, during and after due to anti-Semitic feeling. Shylock is to blame as well due to the fact that he did not accept the money and went for the one pound of Antonio’s Christian flesh. This showing us how resentful he has become, seeing that he wants the Christians to feel twice as much pain he has received from them. Shylock must have known before hand that he stood very little chance of winning the case, for the reason being of his social status. But he also gets a punishment due to his religious beliefs. Shylock should not suffer the punishment as he is not even on trial. To summarise he attended the trial but left across a disrespectful, unjustified punishment for no reason at all.
Nothing else in the play suggests the bare feeling of being alive and human as the anti-prejudice speech goes
“If you prick us, do we not bleed?”
When shylock changes ode in to a “villain” he appears to be bitter and full of hated, vengefulness, manipulating and menacing on his fury until he finds the right opportunity to extract his revenge in the most horrific ways, by taking a pound of flesh from Antonio. The passion and pride displayed by Shylock far exceed the emotions shown by any other character.