Quotes
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.
(I, iii)
In the first act, one aspect of Shylock's nature is clearly revealed. Here he complains that Antonio, by lending out money for free, brings down the interest rate at which he can lend money. Shylock's greed is apparent throughout the play, and statements like these help draw a caricature of what Shakspeare's audience would recognize as the stereotypical, selfish, medieval Jew.
Signior Antonio, many a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usances;
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,
For suff'rance is the badge of all our tribe;
(II, vii)
Here Shylock responds to Bassiano's request for money, pointing out that he is not deaf to all of the criticism he has endured; rather, that he turns a blind eye to it. Shylock makes a good point in this conversation with Bassiano: despite their obvious hatred for him, they come to him for help in the form of money.
'All that glisters is not gold,
Often have you heard that told;
Many a man his life hath sold
But my outside to behold:
Gilded tombs do worms infold
(II, vii)
The Price of Morocco finds this note written on a scroll when he opens the golden chest. He mistakenly equates Portia with material value, and thus the chest serves as another example of Christian values that run deeper than surface appearance. Indeed, the quote suggests that the pursuit of "gold" often leads men to their tombs.
Therefore, thou gaudy gold,
Hard food for Midas, I will none of thee;
Nor none of thee, thou pale and common drudge
'Tween man and man: but thou, thou meagre lead,
Which rather threaten'st than dost promise aught,
Thy plainness moves me more than eloquence,
And here choose I: joy be the consequence!
(III, ii)
It is Bassiano that wins Portia's hand through his demonstration of Christian value and true worth. This is the end of a long quote, in which Bassiano meditates on truth and goodness versus the superficiality of surface appeareance. Thus, gold is simply "gaudy" and plain goodness is what will bring him joy.
Commend me to your honourable wife:
Tell her the process of Antonio's end;
Say how I lov'd you; speak me fair in death;
And, when the tale is told, bid her be judge
Whether Bassanio had not once a love.
(IV, i)
One of things Shakespeare explores in Merchant is the dimension of friendship, brotherly love, and love between man and wife. Here, Antonio, believing that he is about to die, speaks to Bassiano and seems to imply that a rivalry between himself and Portia exists for loving Bassiano the most. Bassiano replies to Antonio by saying that, despite his love for Portia, he would sacrifice everything to save Antonio.
Your wife would give you little thanks for that,
If she were by to hear you make the offer.
(I, i)
Portia, in disguise as a lawyer, responds to Bassiano's remark that he would sacrifice everything to save Antonio. She rightly points out that the relationship between man and wife has value superceding brotherly love between friends.
The quality of mercy is not strain'd;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes
(IV, i)
Throughout the play, Portia is in many ways Christian values personified; here, in the play's climactic scene, she sums up the major theme of Merchant of Venice, that of Christian mercy and compassion.
Expert Q&A
What does the quote “A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross” imply about the Prince of Morocco in The Merchant of Venice?
The Prince of Morocco's quote in The Merchant of Venice shows that he is proud and haughty, characterizing his own mind as "golden" in its nobility and acuity. They also demonstrate that he is literal-minded, failing to look beyond the obvious.
Explain Salanio's speech, "I have never heard a passion so confused..." in The Merchant of Venice.
Salanio's speech mocks Shylock's reaction to his daughter Jessica eloping with a Christian and stealing his money. Salanio finds Shylock's confusion between mourning his daughter or his money amusing, highlighting Shylock's exclamations like "My daughter! O my ducats!" This reflects Shylock's flustered state and obsession with wealth, influenced by antisemitic stereotypes. Salanio's mockery is underscored by his derogatory view of Shylock, calling him "the dog Jew."
What prompted Shylock's exclamation, ‘A Daniel is come to judgement!’?
Shylock's exclamation "A Daniel is come to judgement!" is a biblical allusion to Daniel's wisdom and innocence in "Daniel and the Lion's Den." In The Merchant of Venice, Shylock likens Antonio to Daniel, implying he is the wronged innocent in a financial dispute. Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, uses this reference to highlight Antonio's predicament, comparing him to Daniel facing the lions, emphasizing Shylock's knowledge of biblical narratives.
Quotes illustrating Nerissa and Portia's friendship and assistance in The Merchant of Venice
Quotes that illustrate Nerissa and Portia's friendship and assistance in The Merchant of Venice include Portia's appreciation for Nerissa's loyalty and wisdom, such as when Portia says, "My little body is aweary of this great world" and Nerissa comforts her. Additionally, Nerissa supports Portia's plans, showing their mutual trust and collaboration, as seen when they disguise themselves to help their husbands.
How effectively does Shakespeare use Shylock's quote to captivate the reader?
There I have another bad match!—a bankrupt, a prodigal who dare scarce show his head on the Rialto, a beggar that was used to come so smug upon the mart. Let him look to his bond. He was wont to call me usurer; let him look to his bond. He was wont to lend money for a Christian courtesy; let him look to his bond. . .
Shakespeare effectively uses Shylock's quote to captivate the reader by illustrating Shylock's deep resentment and desire for revenge against Antonio. The quote highlights Shylock's bitterness over past mistreatment and his newfound power over Antonio, who is now a "bankrupt." This moment is intensified by Shylock's subsequent speech, which compellingly argues for Jewish equality and criticizes Christian hypocrisy, making the audience empathize with Shylock's plight and contemplate the broader themes of justice and revenge.
The significance and origin of the "pound of flesh" concept in The Merchant of Venice
The "pound of flesh" in The Merchant of Venice signifies a merciless demand for strict justice, symbolizing Shylock's insistence on a literal interpretation of his bond with Antonio. The concept originates from the contract between Shylock and Antonio, where Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral for a loan, highlighting themes of revenge and justice.
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