Prejudice, Racism and Anti-Semitism in William...

Prejudice, Racism and Anti-Semitism in William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice Throughout William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, there is a strong theme of prejudice. Portia has to deal with prejudice against her sex, the Prince of Morocco has to deal with prejudice against his race but the character that is most discriminated against is Shylock. He is hated for being a Jew and a money-lender, but Shakespeare has not made Shylock a character easy to sympathise with. He appears to be mean and cruel and it seems as though he loves money above all things. However during the play there are moments when Shakespeare gives Shylock speeches which show his humanity. In these moments, the audience is made to feel sorry†¦show more content†¦This is the other characteristic that Shakespeare gives Shylock which makes him so unlikeable; his need for revenge. When his daughter runs away he is more interested in making her pay for her disobedience than getting her home safely, he says to Tubal; â€Å"I would my daughter were dead at my foot ... would she were hearsed at my foot, and the ducats in her coffin!† It is made clear early on why Jessica feels the need to run away. When she talks to Launcelot she says â€Å"Our house is hell† and then later; â€Å"To be asham’d to be my father’s child! But though I am daughter to his blood, I am not to his manners.† She is obviously ashamed to be associated with Shylock and tries to show Launcelot that she is not like him, and when she says â€Å"Farewell; and if my fortune be not cross’d I have a father, you a daughter, lost.† Her language shows how much she longs to leave the house and escape from her father. Although there are times in the play when it is obvious that Shylock loves her, it is easy for the audience to understand why living with him would be unbearable. His hatred for Antonio is also obvious and it is so strong that he refuses all offers of money so that he can cut off a pound of his flesh. In Act 3 Scene 1 Shylock makes his famous â€Å"Hath not a Jew eyes?† speech, and it is probably at this point that the audienceShow MoreRelatedAnti-Semitism and Racism in the Merchant of Venice1019 Words   |  5 PagesAnti-Semitism and racism in The Merchant Of Venice. Anti-Semitism and the desecration of the Jewish population have been in existence for nearly five thousand years. In William Shakespeares â€Å"The Merchant of Venice†, we find that one of the characters is the subject and expression of anti-Semitic attitude that is persistent in Elizabethan society. 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It will also comment onRead MoreThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Essay1501 Words   |  7 PagesThe Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock as rapacious and cruel is in the traditional style of an Elizabethan villain. A modern audience could argue that he has also humanised Shylock, and therefore gained some sympathy for his actions. From your reading of the â€Å"Merchant of Venice† examine these diverse reactions to the complex characterisation of Shylock. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock is unconditionally evil, and a