The merchant of Venice

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How do Dramatic Devices Relating to Language and Stagecraft in Act IV scene 1 reflect issues and tensions throughout the play

8/3/06

Oliver Hiam

The shifts of tension between Shylock and Antonio, are the most prominent dramatic devices in IV.1 in terms of reflecting issues. Shylock, is treated as an outsider in Venice along with all other Jews, he was an “alien”. Physically Jews were separated from Christians in Venice, they were grouped in an outside part of Venice. For identification, and some would argue degradation, Jews were made to wear red hats. This oppression by Christians upon Jews creates tension between Shylock and Christians of Venice. When Bassanio requested 3000 ducats on behalf of Antonio, Shylock proclaimed “I hate him (Antonio) for he is a Christian”.(I.3 34) he also explained his personal hate for Antonio was because “he lends out money gratis, and brings down the rate of usance here with us in Venice”.(I.3 36) As the only occupation Jews could fulfil was usury, because of the Christian teachings against such acts, Antonio was putting Jews out of Business.

The relationship between Shylock and Antonio in the play demonstrates the divide between Christianity and Judaism in the time of Ancient Venice. It is argued by some that the play is a reversal of the Crucifixion of Jesus, this time a Jew persecuting a Christian. It is clear that Jews were not well treated in these times and, through Shylocks long life up to an elderly man he has been made gradually bitter by Christians. Shylock agrees to lend Antonio 3000 ducats but makes no attempt to hide that “If I can catch him upon the hip/ I will feed the ancient grudge I bear him”. (I.3 38) Shylock uses Antonio as a symbol for everything that is unjust in his life and unjust for Jews. Antonio is Christianity in Shylocks eyes and “cursed be my (Shylock’s) tribe/ If I (Shylock) forgive him!”(I.3 42)

At the beginning of the play a neutral bond is taken of 3000 ducats by Antonio to be repaid in 3 months, at penalty of “an equal pound/ Of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken/ In what part of your body pleaseth me”.(I.3 142) In act IV.1 when the hatred between Antonio reaches a climax the fortunes of both men are reversed, this demonstrates the power transitions throughout the play between Antonio and Shylock therefore Judaism and Christianity.

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As individuals in the play the Christians are not portrayed as a superior race, as they would be considered in the society of Venice. Gratiano shows a lewd side to Antonio’s allies, by making an inappropriate joke during the trial. He taunted shylock acerbically, by telling him to “beg that thou may have leave to go hang thyself”. Shylock was not, however always portrayed as righteous, relentlessly stating “I will have my bond” (IV.1) this demonstrates a key issue in the play of equality, the flawed personalitys of all characters show that there is bad and good in all ...

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