Throughout the play‚ The Merchant of Venice‚ Shakespeare cultivates the idea of “Shylock the Jew” being both a villain and a victim each depending on the reader’s interpretation of the play. 16th century Venice was largely Roman Catholic and Christian. I think in correctly interpreting the play‚ we have to take a look at what influences Shakespeare may have had in devising Shylock’s character. In 16th century Europe‚ there was a massive revolt called the Reformation led by Saxon Monk named
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In the play Othello by William Shakespeare the antagonist Iago believes that he only told Othello his thoughts and “no more than what he found himself was apt and true”. In the end there is doubt as to who is responsible for the tragedy that occurs. This tragedy is where Iago murders Emilia and Roderigo and Othello murders Desdemona and commits suicide. The end of the play suggests that it is Othello who is responsible for the tragedy that unfolds as it was him that ended up murdering Desdemona and
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Deformed in body and twisted in mind‚ Richard is in every way the dominant character of the play‚ to the extent that he is both the play’s protagonist and major villain. He is selfish‚ evil‚ corrupt‚ sadistic‚ and manipulative. His intelligence‚ political brilliance‚ and dazzling use of language keeps the audience fascinated and his subjects and rivals under his control. At the beginning of the play‚ it is made clear to the audience that Richard has no justification for seizing the throne. This
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Task: Shylock: Victim or Villain? From the book ’The Merchant of Venice.’ Written by William Shakespeare Shakespeare sets his play within the 16th century. During this time Venice was a powerful city involved in trade and was a strong believer in the religion of Christianity. In the Merchant of Venice‚ Shylock is the only Jewish character‚ he is complicated‚ yet wise‚ and the one who gets tormented‚ mocked and humiliated in front of everyone. The
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victim and villain. The concept of the villain has evolved over the years‚ however its basis still rests upon the simple fact that as a character in the story‚ their actions are a result of malicious intentions ultimately negatively impacting the other characters in the story; that is they are the antagonist. Whether it is Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet‚ the wicked witch of the west from The Wizard of Oz‚ Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter‚ or Victor Frankenstein in Frankenstein‚ all villains possess certain
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Introduction to Literature Period 3 18 April 2008 Odysseus: Hero or Villain? Heading home‚ to Ithaca‚ Odysseus is faced upon many obstacles that he and his men try to overcome‚ but in the end substantiate that Odysseus is a villain. “The old soldier in despair: He has spent ten years (seven of them as Calypso’s not entirely unwillingly captive) trying to get home” (652‚ summary). Evidence proves that Odysseus is a villain‚ because he tries to convince that he was kept unwillingly by Calypso.
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In today’s society‚ one does not need to wear a cape or be able to fly to be a hero. Someone does not need to wear black and have an evil laugh to be a villain either. Today‚ an ordinary‚ everyday person can be transformed into a hero or villain almost instantly. A catalyst is definitely needed to perform this transformation. An event usually has to pull out the heroic traits of a person. For instance a person who witnesses a car accident and this person runs to the scene of the burning car and
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Iago continually uses rhetorical strategies to manipulate others. He uses many devices to put false accusations into Othello’s head. In lines 330-447 in act 3 scene 3‚ Iago uses rhetorical questions‚ imagery‚ and sarcasm to make Othello believe that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. To make Othello question Desdemona’s love for him Iago uses rhetorical questions. When Othello says “…than answer my waked wrath!” Iago comes back with “Is’t come to this my lord.” Later he goes as far
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Iago analysis is central to understanding Shakespeare’s Othello because he holds the longest part in the play: 1‚070 lines. Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and jealousy. He is jealous of Cassio for obtaining the position of Lieutenant over him‚ jealous of Othello; believing that he has bedded his wife and jealous of Othello’s held position‚ despite his race. Is Iago Evil? Iago has very few redeeming qualities‚ he has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty
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Iago‚ in Shakespeare’s Othello‚ is a deceiving character because he tells lies in order to get what he wants. He interacts with people only to manipulate them‚ but most importantly he never reveals his true feelings or motives. Iago might say things that suggest what his motive is‚ but he soon contradicts himself with another suggestion making it extremely difficult to understand him. Although Iago’s true motives cannot be determined‚ some motives could be jealousy‚ the enjoyment of seeing people
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