want to protect students from these harsh sentiments‚ it may be counterproductive to omit controversial texts from class rather than using them as a vehicle for raising awareness and sensitivity about issues of prejudice. When teaching The Merchant of Venice‚ then‚ it is important to raise the issue of anti-Semitism as a precursor to examining the text‚ and to explore this type of prejudice as both a historical and contemporary phenomenon. Throughout the play‚ Shylock‚ and by extension‚ all Jews
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a tragicomedy Shakespeare’s ’The Merchant of Venice’ is a comedy with a difference. It was written almost certainly between 1596 & 1598. The play is classed as one of the 16 comedy plays but it is also a ’problem’ play due to the tragic elements woven throughout the intricate plot. The play concludes with a harmonious ending but all through the plot‚ reoccurring themes of sadness and tragedy are included. In terms of dramatic structure‚ "The Merchant of Venice" is undoubtedly a comedy. It follows
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THE MERCHANT OF VENICE STUDY QUESTIONS; DUE MONDAY 5th AUGUST 1) Sooth: Truth‚ reality‚ Fact Ague: Fever‚ sickness Peevish: Silly‚ foolish or: headstrong‚ impulsive Prodigal: Wastefully. It usually means someone who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way. Argosies: a large merchant ship. 2) In this scene the literally term allusion is used in many ways throughout the text‚ an example is when Bassanio compared Portrias hair with a golden fleece and says that ‘many Jason’s
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March 2012 A Game of Caskets‚ Morals‚ and Men Lessons Learned in The Merchant of Venice Although the play’s title leads readers to believe its contents to surround Antonio‚ rather the play surrounds a hated and despised Shylock the Jew. However‚ as Shakespeare so often does‚ several scenes are placed almost haphazardly within the conflict and turmoil building amongst the main characters. Often readers question the scenes appropriateness and necessity to the play’s progression‚ and struggle to
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morals. These morals revolved around the superiority of followers of Christianity to followers of other religions‚ particularly Judaism. Works such as the Merchant of Venice may seem to today’s audience as anti-Semitic while extolling Christian virtues‚ or at least the perceived virtues of what it meant to be Christian. In the Merchant of Venice‚ the Christian virtue of mercy as a “divine” quality seems to be upheld for the pleasure of an Elizabethan audience. However‚ it seems that Shakespeare may
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Sherlow Matthew Wheadon Oct. 23‚ 2012 Justice and Mercy in The Merchant of Venice In the court room scene of The Merchant of Venice‚ justice is handed back and forth between the Christians and Shylock‚ unlike mercy. Shylock is unable to feel any remorse for Antonio and the Christians because of the hate he has for them. Stubbornness and hatred can cause misfortune; the morally superior have a right to justice. As the trial scene begins‚ the Duke speaks about Shylock as an inhuman wretch‚
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William Shakespeare is likely the world ’s most famous playwright. He is considered a genius for his skill with words‚ his understanding of people and of human nature‚ and his sense of what really pleases an audience. In Shakespeare ’s play‚ The Merchant of Venice‚ Shakespeare uses his great skill in writing to make a character appear as if he is both a villain and a victim. A victim can be defined as an unfortunate person who suffers from a destructive action or through the dishonesty of others. Although
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Final Essay for Merchant of Venice Although the Merchant of Venice‚ written by the renowned playwright William Shakespeare‚ is part of brilliant romantic comedy series‚ it is known largely for its drama and intense allusions to themes and concerns of the time period‚ which may be looked at differently in the modern society. The title of the play refers to the character of Antonio‚ who is ‘the Merchant of Venice’‚ even though the Jewish moneylender‚ Shylock is the more prominent character‚ who leaves
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ANTONIO I honestly don’t know why I’m so sad . I’m tired of it‚ and so are you. But I have no idea why I have gotten so depressed and I can’t figure out what is even making me feel this way. I must not understand myself very well. SALARINO You’re worried about your ships. Your mind is getting tossed around in the ocean with them‚ but they’re fine. They’re like huge parade floats on the sea. They’re so big they look down on the smaller ships‚ which all have to bow and then get out of the way.
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English 10 Nazi Propaganda and The Merchant of Venice Shylock and Nazi Propaganda • "Never trust the artist‚ trust the tale.“ • We will never know what was in Shakespeare’s mind when he began writing "The Merchant of Venice." • what he intended and what he accomplished are not necessarily the same thing • Shylock is meant to be a villain. • his motives and his personality are clear • Given the opportunity he attempts to commit legalized murder. • Shylock is a Jewish villain‚ but he didn’t have
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