Themes: Prejudice and Anti-Semitism
It is difficult to ignore the prejudice that appears in The Merchant of Venice, because prejudice is at the heart of the play’s conflict. Shylock’s statement that he hates Antonio because Antonio is a Christian is perhaps the first example, but we learn shortly after that Antonio has also wronged Shylock, largely because he is Jewish. Throughout the play, the Christian characters attribute Shylock’s motives and choices to his Jewish identity, almost always in a derogatory manner. We see another Jew, Tubal, being treated similarly. The theme of prejudice also appears in Portia’s treatment of the Prince of Morocco; we have little reason to believe that he has bad intentions, but she dismisses him as a result of the darkness of his skin.
It is through this theme that the play conveys a lesson about tolerance and breaking from biases. While Shylock is framed as an antagonist throughout the play, his own cruelty, he claims, was learned from Christians, and he argues that he is only paying them back for wrongs done to him. In the face of the prejudices against him, he points out that Jews are just like other human beings and that it is unfair to think of them differently.
The resolution of the play’s conflict—the result of the court case in act 4—can be read in two different ways as regards the theme of prejudice. On the one hand, the duke and Antonio’s supposedly merciful treatment of Shylock can be read as patronizing. By demonstrating the divine principle of mercy after Shylock’s case has been dramatically turned against him and forcing him to convert to Christianity, they remain entrenched in anti-Semitic prejudice. On the other hand, that the duke and Antonio do not choose the gravest possible punishment for Shylock can be read as an act of good faith in which prejudice is set aside to some degree.
Expert Q&A
Compare and contrast Jews and Christians in The Merchant of Venice.
In "The Merchant of Venice," Jews and Christians are depicted as hostile and intolerant towards each other. Shylock, a Jewish character, criticizes Christian beliefs and seeks revenge on Antonio, a Christian, who publicly ridicules and mistreats him. Christians hold societal power and privilege, while Jews face discrimination and are limited to usury. Although Christians are portrayed as benevolent, they display hypocrisy by discriminating against Jews, contrasting with Shylock's consistent, albeit vengeful, attitude.
How does the position of outsiders in certain countries relate to characters or events in The Merchant of Venice?
In The Merchant of Venice, the position of outsiders or members of a minority community is extremely relevant with regard to the character of Shylock, who is clearly an outsider. Throughout history, Jews often have been outsiders. This is made clear throughout the play. Bassanio seeks a loan and invites Shylock to dinner. Shylock declines, noting the smell of pork, which is forbidden to Jews. Smithsonian Magazine says “… by ghettoizing them, Venice simultaneously included and excluded the Jews."
How are Jews treated in The Merchant of Venice? Provide examples of bad treatment.
In The Merchant of Venice, Jews face significant persecution, depicted through Shylock's experiences. Shylock's "Hath not a Jew eyes" speech highlights the discrimination Jews endure, motivating his desire for revenge against Antonio. The disdain between Shylock and Antonio is evident in their interactions, reflecting societal mockery and animosity. Shylock's ultimate defeat in the trial scene showcases his humiliation, with Portia showing no mercy, mirroring the harsh treatment Jews receive throughout the play.
Prejudice and Intolerance in The Merchant of Venice
In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare explores prejudice and intolerance, primarily through the character of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender who faces anti-Semitic treatment from Christian characters like Antonio. Shylock's famous speech in Act 3 highlights these themes, questioning why Jews are treated differently when they share the same human traits as Christians. Prejudice is also evident in Portia's disdain for foreign suitors and her racial bias against the Prince of Morocco. The play presents a cyclical nature of hatred, showing how victims can become victimizers.
Antonio and Shylock's Religious and Business Rivalry's Impact on Plot
In The Merchant of Venice, the rivalry between Antonio and Shylock is deeply rooted in religious and economic tensions. Antonio, a Christian, despises Shylock for being Jewish and a moneylender, often insulting and mistreating him. Shylock, in turn, hates Antonio for his anti-Semitic behavior and for lending money without interest, which undermines Shylock's business. This animosity leads to a pivotal plot point where Shylock demands a pound of Antonio's flesh as collateral for a loan, driving the play's central conflict and suspense.
Quotes illustrating themes of anti-semitism and jealousy in The Merchant of Venice
In The Merchant of Venice, anti-Semitism is illustrated when Shylock is called a "cut-throat dog" and spat upon by Antonio. Jealousy is depicted through Shylock's resentment of Antonio's financial success, as seen in his line, "I hate him for he is a Christian; but more, for that in low simplicity he lends out money gratis."
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
