The Merchant of Venice | Principal Topics

Economics is a prime concern in The Merchant of Venice, and one major critical perspective treats the play as a clash between emerging mercantile sensibilities and religious traditions. During Shakespeare's time, usury (lending money for interest) became an accepted business practice as profits became increasingly more important than religious principles. The rivalry between Antonio and Shylock is often viewed as an example of two conflicting business ethics. Although Shylock represents usury as a pragmatic and legitimate business practice, Antonio embodies a more idealistic...

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