All arguments stem from the fact that Christians and Jews believe different things about Jesus. ” This speech talks about how Antonio thinks Shylock is putting on a false front saying he may look kind but he is “rotten at the heart”. This part of Shylock’s speech from the late 16th century Shakespearean play Merchant of Venice appears almost prophetic for the way that it portrays our world today, so much so that it could have been written last week. And such hatred is based on another socially constructed ideal that you have no control over, namely skin color. This really creates a view of sympathy for the reader and allows the reader to look at Shylock as a protagonist and Antonio as an antagonist. All this because he is a Jew. This reflects Shylock’s speech in act one scene three where Shylock brings in evidence that Antonio has said and done numerous things to cause a tense relationship between the two. In my opinion the play is not. The question is why he refuses what seems to be a sensible request. The audience will lose sympathy with Shylock as taking flesh from a person’s body is seen as inhuman. In The Merchant of Venice, the part of Shylock, a money lending Jew, is one which carries many emotions, pain, joy, cruelty and loss. Of course this isn't new as Jew's have been bullied, spat upon and murdered because of their beliefs throughout history.... Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice' is a comedy which is set in Venice and Belmont. Launcelot leaves Shylock to go and work for Bassanio. The whole matter of the Jewish moneylenders being ill-treated by Antonio and like-minded folks could have changed for better if the group as a whole changed the outside world’s perception of them by lowering their rates. Shylock’s hate for Antonio is no longer expressed from Antonio’s unnecessary behavior, but in a matter of cruel revenge. This clearly shows the representative attitude of Antonio to Shylock although there is not a real reason for it (the only reason is envy and hatred). 2. Of the various interpretations of the character of Shylock … Shakespeare has included the historical and incorporated the biblical references in the speeches of this play. Hear you me Jessica- Lock up my... At the time this play was written anti-Semitism was very common in England. The play contains a great variety of characters. Shakespeare makes this message clear to the reader by using connotation. He is one of the most complex characters of The Merchant of Venice – and maybe of all of Shakespeare’s work. Here are some quotes that contribute to the gain of sympathy: “He hath disgraced me, hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated mine enemies, and what’s his reason? i['GoogleAnalyticsObject'] = r; Shylock’s actions and words are not the only thing that effects our interpretation of Shylock, but the words and actions of others. ” This quote loses Shylock sympathy because he is saying that he taking Antonio’s flesh for fun and just because he wants to. })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv='); We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. ( Log Out / This would have led to there being no reason for Shylock wanting nor having any reason to exact his pound of flesh. Another factor is the time period that we chose to insert, and the class of people. Christians and Jews have antagonised each other because of their beliefs. ” This quote will lose sympathy for Shylock as Bassanio is showing homoerotic undertones, Shylock is ruining someone’s relationship, thus causing the audience to lose sympathy with him. Why he hath made the ewe bleat for the lamb; You may as well forbid the mountain pines To way their high tops and make no noise”, This comment makes the audience sympathise with Shylock as he is being compared to an animal. Shakespeare... We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you, Sorry, but downloading is forbidden on this website. This is used to prove the reader Shylock does have the right for vengeful comeback, and that there are faults in Antonio for believing Jews were ever less human than Christians. 8. First I will look at how sympathy is lost by shylock then I will look at how Shylock gains sympathy in each scene. When asked this question, Shylock replies with a speech. Shakespeare probably made the play for a 16th Century, prejudicial and anti-Semitic audience, so a more modern audience would sympathize with some of Shylock's actions. This is the last point on this scene where he loses sympathy. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you need this or any other sample, we can send it to you via email. Again showing Shylock’s argument for social and religious equality. m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m) Shylock is addressed both politely and impolitely by other characters in The Merchant of Venice. I will now study Act3 Scene1 and write about the parts where Shylock loses and gains sympathy from the audience. The Duke then asks Shylock why he expects mercy if he does not give it himself but Shylock replies that he has done no wrong and will have his bond! 19-20), Shakespeare uses the word choice of “rich” and “precious” to create the vivid imagery of the stones for the readers and to show how much the stones are worth to him opposed to the worthiness he portrays of his daughter, which he shows no word choice to describe his daughter whatsoever. This all creates a feel of a curious compassion for Shylock for the reader. Knowing this, he knew he would never get a fair trial in a Venetian court. Shylock uses this quotation directed at Antonio to explain that although he is being insulted by Antonio, he will just shrug it off because him and the other members of his religion are used to being singled out for persecution and are used to suffering. The perspective of Shylock as a protagonist suddenly changes when Shylock agrees to lend Antonio the three thousand ducats Bassanio needs in order to impress Portia. Considering these are negative personality traits, a negative perspective of Shylock takes place; giving him the label of an antagonist. In conclusion Shylock is influenced by the hateful Christian environment he is faced with because he is Jewish. / But though I am a daughter to his blood,/ I am not to his manners. Despite Shylock been treated terribly by the pair almost every day: “The devil can cite scripture for his purpose”. Analytics.checkerButton = '#bla-essayCheck'; We can see Shylock is hungry for revenge but he does not achieve this and ends up at rock bottom: “Thou call’dst me dog … But since I am dog, beware my fangs. Though as we see in the play, the character Tubal does not share the same level of hatred for Christians as Shylock does therefore I believe that shylock is influenced by the society he lives in but he is an evil person anyway. Antonio’s ships probably would have been sunk for sure, furthering the war and inciting more violence and feeling the need for revenge. I will also examine how the character of Shylock could evoke sympathy of a modern audience. We learn about how he is too ill to stay in court and how he nearly lost all his belongings yet he was still going to go through with killing Antonio and I think that is cold-hearted and cruel. When Shylock is invited to Bassanio’s feast he asks Jessica to look after his house, Jessica has no intention in staying and leaves to marry Lorenzo. Shylock then finally has the courage to stand up for himself; tired of everyone bringing all the faults on him.
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