Home > The Merchant of Venice Summary & Study Guide > Essential Passages > Essential Passage by Theme: Racial Enmity
The Merchant of Venice | Essential Passage by Theme: Racial Enmity
SHYLOCK:
How like a fawning publican he looks!
I hate him for he is a Christian:
But more, for that, in low simplicity,
He lends out money gratis, and brings down
The rate of usance here with us in Venice.
If I can catch him once upon the hip,
I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.
He hates our sacred nation; and he rails,
Even there where merchants most do congregate,
On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,
Which he calls interest. Cursed be my tribe
If I...
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