Prejudice is a significant theme in The Merchant of Venice. This is expresses at various occasions throughout the novel. One of the most significant examples of prejudice in this novel is the Anti-Semitic views of the Christian citizens in Venice. A second act of prejudice in The Merchant of Venice occurs when the Prince of Morocco arrives in Venice. The third example‚ though more subtle‚ is the prejudice towards the Prince of Arragon. These three examples fall in to two major categories‚ racial
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Critical Essay: ‘The Merchant of Venice’ - Shylock Character Study Shakespeare’s play ‘The Merchant of Venice’ starts off in Venice with Shylock as a simple money lender. His intentions seem reasonable to begin with‚ he sounds a nice man then he does a soliloquy saying how much hatred he has for Antonio‚ the Christian who treated him disrespectfully. Shylock conflicts his emotions again and speaks to Antonio in a joking manner which in his mind turns out to be the truth. In the play
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are not always what they seem. People may appear to be one way but turn out to be an entirely different. The romantic-comedy‚ The Merchant of Venice‚ by William Shakespeare‚ shows the deliberate use of deception by the characters. Deception is a tool that is used for many purposes. The purposes can be harmful‚ protective or for personal gain. In The Merchant of Venice‚ Portia‚ Jessica‚ and Shylock are all characters who use deception to carry out their own motives. Shylock‚ the hated Jew‚ makes
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they were actually banned from England in 1290‚ and were not allowed back into England several decades after ‘The Merchant of Venice’ had been written. The Elizabethans were ignorant of the Jewish culture. Shakespeare knew that the majority of the population was Christian and had to write something that was somewhat an outrage to the Jews. So he decided to write the Merchant of Venice‚ in which he deliberately included stereotypical prejudice to reflect current society. The play in the earlier part
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A Two-Faced "Lady Richly Left" (1.1.161). In the play The Merchant of Venice‚ Shakespeare reveals Portia’s character in a variety of different ways. She seems to have multiple personalities‚ and it is very difficult for one to conclude whether she is kind or cruel. For example‚ she could be said to be prejudiced and sly‚ while also very caring. Portia is quick to judge others on appearances and first impressions. In scene II‚ when Portia is discussing her suitors with Nerissa‚ she explains all
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How does Shakespeare create dramatic interest for the audience in the trial scene‚ Act 4 scene 1 in The Merchant of Venice’? In the trial scene (act 4 scene 1)‚ Shakespeare uses many different dramatic techniques to make the tension in the court room rise and build. He also uses dramatic irony and many other techniques to engage an audience in this particular scene in the play. These techniques would work have worked on an Elizabethan audience or a modern day audience. Although‚ these two eras
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ACT I - SCENE I : PLOT DEVELOPMENT The play opens in Venice. Where the title character‚ Antonio - the merchant of Venice‚ resides. He is a successful man‚ but is melancholy and weary for reasons he can’t explain‚ not even to his compatriots Salarnio and Salanio. They feel that his depression is from the stresses and worries that sprout from the shipping business‚ but his worries come not from these or love. The three are then met by Bassanio‚ Lorenzo‚ and Gratiano. Salarnio and Salanio
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which are beyond their control for example their appearance. In plays and novels‚ the victim is sometimes a character included to highlight the prejudices and pre-conceptions of the social climate in which the play or novel was written. In the Merchant of Venice’ it can be argued that Shylocks character undergoes a metamorphosis from villain to victim. However‚ in this essay I hope to discuss whether in fact Shylock can be defined as either villain or victim and to form an opinion of what Shakespeare
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Study Questions & Essay Topics Study Questions 1. Discuss Shylock’s dramatic function in The Merchant of Venice. What do critics mean when they suggest that Shylock is “too large” for the play? Does he fulfill or exceed his role? Model Answer – In order to ensure that we understand Shylock as a threat to the happiness of Venice’s citizens and lovers‚ Shakespeare uses a number of dramatic devices to amplify Shylock’s villainy. In doing so‚ however‚ he creates a character so compelling that
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Is Shylock more sinned against than sinning? Many different views can be taken on the Jewish merchant Shylock in the play ‘The Merchant of Venice’ written by William Shakespeare. Although when taking into account the many trials and tribulations that Shylock had to endure‚ it is forthcoming to say that Shylock was more sinned against than sinning. There are key and defining moments in this play when it becomes more apparent as to why Shylock is acting out against Antonio. From early on when Antonio
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