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The Merchant of Venice Essay

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The Merchant of Venice Essay
William Shakespeare wrote several plays which depict Jews and blacks in a very negative, stereotypical fashion. In his play, The Merchant of Venice, characters are often judged based on their appearances and beliefs. There are many events in this play that led to discriminating and racist outcomes. The Merchant of Venice is portrayed as a racist play through the characters of Portia, Solanio, and Shylock. Shakespeare’s racist development of Jews and blacks are often seen in his writings. First, Portia is portrayed as a racist character against Prince Morocco. At the end of Act II, Scene VII, Morocco chooses the wrong casket (gold), which means he must leave Portia and never get married. “A gentle riddance. Draw the curtains: go. Let all of his complexion choose me so.” (Act II, Scene VII) Portia is very happy about the outcome of the choice he made. Portia says that she wants everyone who looks like him to choose the same gold casket because that means she would not have to marry a black person. The fact that she did not want to marry a black person indicates her racist perspective on society. Portia demonstrated acts of racism throughout the play of The Merchant of Venice. Secondly, Solanio is portrayed as a racist character against Shylock. At the beginning of Act III, Scene II, Solanio and Salerio are discussing Antonio and his ships just before Shylock arrives. “Let me say “amen” betimes, lest the devil cross my prayer, for here he comes, in the likeness of a Jew.” (Act III, Scene II) Solanio is comparing Shylock with the devil, saying that he is just like him. He wants to quickly finish a prayer for Antonio before Shylock, “the devil,” comes and stops him. The fact that Solanio is calling Shylock a “Jew” and “the devil” indicates that he also has a racist perspective. Solanio presented himself to be one of the many racist characters in Shakespeare’s famous play. Thirdly, Shylock is portrayed as a racist character against Antonio. At the beginning of
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