Is Shylock a villain or victim who deserves our sympathy?

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Sarah Mahm Kahn 11SK

Is Shylock a villain or victim who deserves our sympathy?

        The Shakespeare play in which the character Shylock is based, is called ‘The Merchant of Venice’.  

        Shylock was a Jew, who was a moneylender (usurer). He was portrayed as a villain in the play. He was disliked by Christians because he charged interest and followed Judaism. Therefore Jews did not get on well with Christians and Christians did not get on well with Jews. Shylock’s hate for Christians was only caused because of their hate for Jews. He is discriminated against because of his religion. And lending money, then charging interest, is his way of making profit.

        Antonio, who is a Christian, comes to borrow money from Shylock. He is borrowing money for his dear friend Bassanio and is not keen on asking from Shylock. However, Shylock takes advantage of this situation and keeps reminding Antonio that he is in charge.

     “Ay, ay, three thousand ducats”-

Shylock is seen pondering the amount of the loan. I think it was a normal reaction, to taunt Antonio because Shylock would never have expected him to ask for money, especially from a Jew.

Antonio does not deny the fact that he has abused Shylock and responds to Shylock's complaints with threats of violence-

     “I am as like to call thee so again, to spit on thee, to spurn thee too.”

The repetition of this line emphasises Antonio’s hate. Shylock does not deserve to be treated this way, just because of his religion. In this case, Shylock is a victim because he has to tolerate with this behaviour.

Shylock agrees to lend the money and not charge interest. However, if Antonio does not pay the money back on time then Shylock is allowed one pound of Antonio’s flesh. Shylock wants to-

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     “Feed fat the ancient grudge” that Christians and Jews have against each other because of the discrimination he has had to put up with. Shylock seals the bond between himself and Antonio-

     “If you repay me not on such a day- 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”. –

This quote makes me wonder whether Shylock is actually a victim or a villain after all? Because to take a pound of someone’s flesh is a gruesome ...

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