Why Shylock Is a Complex Character

The way a character gets its reputation is affected by the way the reader and other characters view them, and that perspective can change at any point throughout the storyline. In Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice, Shylock is presented as the most developed character. Shakespeare purposely creates both an antagonist and protagonist in Shylock, by creating a change in view for the reader throughout the play. He can be viewed as a hated Jew that is often referred to as a villain, a devil, and a money obsessed freak, but a sudden change of personality tends to always occur. We first see Shylock as a person who chooses everything over money, but later we find out that there are in fact some things he places above money. In act one scene three, however, the reader’s first impression of Shylock is he is a victim of bullying and anti-Semitism until we later discover Shylock has a different side of him when he demands for flesh. This reflects Shylock’s speech in act three scene one, where Shylock stands up for himself and creates sympathy for the reader opposed to the impression of Shylock we gain from other characters’ point of view. THESIS ___________________________________________ Topic Sentence______________________________________________-
Shylock makes it clear he has a designated hate for Antonio, but only because he does not respect the anti-Semitism and disrespect Antonio creates towards Shylock. He goes on to say how much he hates Antonio’s behavior. Shylock says, “He hates our sacred nation, and he rails/…/ Cursed be my tribe/ If I forgive him!” (1.3.44-48). Shylock uses these quotations of his soliloquy as an opportunity to express rejection of ever forgiving the Christians, but particularly Antonio. He continues to explain that Antonio hates the Jews, and uses bitter and offensive language towards Shylock and the members of his religion which Shylock does not respect in any matter. Shakespeare makes this message clear to the reader by