Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice

In William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, prejudice is a predominant theme and it is displayed in numerous ways. A dominant form of prejudice in the play is prejudice against religion by both the Christian and the Jewish believers. Other minor but important forms of prejudice displayed are against races and against various types of disabilities. Shakespeare demonstrates that during his era, in the Elizabethan Era, prejudice wasn’t frowned upon like it is today in present society. Shakespeare intended to portray the high level of prejudice towards those who are seen as different to the majority during the early 1600s.
Throughout time, prejudice has been a major flaw in the human race. During the 1600s, Christianity has had a strong influence on the law and the mindset of the population which has caused prejudice for other religions. In The Merchant of Venice prejudice against religion has caused hatred between the Christians and the Jewish people, when in actuality they are two sides of the same coin. This is shown when Shylock says “In the Rialto you have rated me/ About my moneys and usances...You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog, / And spit upon my Jewish gabardine,” (Shakespeare Iiii 103-108). Shylock is expressing the many discriminations and insults he has had to face in the past at the hand of Antonio. These kinds of discriminations were very common in the 1600s because of the prejudice was instilled in society. In present day, we allow everyone to freely choose their religious beliefs without any discrimination. Society in that era was very quick to judge others and discriminate them based on any difference, and although the Jewish people were usually the targets for this prejudice, there were other people who were as well.
Over the many centuries, society has evolved from a very prejudging state of mind to a more accepting one. Racism has always been a big issue when it comes to acceptance from others. In The Merchant of Venice visible and