The Merchant of Venice Group

Question:

chank
chank
Student
High School - 11th Grade

Does Shylock show much reason when he argues that so-called Christians keep slaves and think nothing of it?

The Duke, who is appointed judge in this case, has already decided that Shylock is "inhuman", though he won't say so to his face. Antonio, however, is more than willing to betray his sense of the Jew as an inhuman beast, incapable of either reason or mercy.

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Posted by chank on Tuesday November 25, 2008 at 10:09 AM and tagged with shylock, slavery, the merchant of venice.

Answers:

  1. flamingogirl
    flamingogirl Teacher
    Middle School

    eNotes Editor

    Shylock's argument has merit, since Venetian society does allow slave ownership.  He has the law on his side, and he is demanding that he be given the same respect as any Christian slave owner.  He is arguing that the immorality of his actions are not the court's business, since they are ultimately no different from the actions of Christian slave owners.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/merchant/character-analysis

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    Posted by flamingogirl on Wednesday November 26, 2008 at 6:21 AM