The Theme of Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare :: Merchant Venice Essays Shakespeare

The makeup of prepossess in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeargon William Shakespeares sarcastic comedy, The Merchant of Venice, is an examination of annoyance and greed. Prejudice is a dominant write up in The Merchant of Venice, approximately notably taking the form of anti-Semitism. moneylender is stereotypically described as tog in a recognizably Jewish way in a long gown of gabardine, probably black, with a red beard and/or wing like that of Judas, and a dependant putty nose or bottle nose (Charney, p. 41). moneylender is a defensive character because gild is constantly reminding him he is different in religion, looks, and motivation. He finds solace in the law because he, himself, is an outcast of society. Shylock is an outsider who is not privy to the rights accorded to the citizens of Venice. The Venetians guess Shylock as a capitalistic motivated solely by greed, while they saw themselves as Christian paragons of piety. When Shylock considers taking A ntonios impound using his ships as collateral, his bitterness is evident when he quips, But ships are just board, sailors but men. There be land rats and water rats, water thieves and land thieves -- I mean pirates -- and and so there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks (I.iii.25). Shylock believes the Venetians are hypocrites because of their slave ownership. The Venetians justify their intrust of slavery by locution simply, The slaves are ours (IV.i.98-100). During the trial sequence, Shylock persuasively argues, You cod among you many a purchased slave, which (like your asses and your dogs and mules). You us in abject and in slavish parts, because you bought them, shall I give voice to you, let them be free, marry them to your heirs... you get out answer, The slaves are ours, -- so do I answer you The pound of mannequin (which I demand of him) is in a heartfelt way bought, tis mine and I will have it (IV.i.90-100). Shakespeares depiction of the Venetians is para doxical. They are, too, a capitalist people and readily accept his money, however, abhor him personally. Like American society, sixteenth century Venice sought to solidify their mercantile reputation through integration, but at the same time, practiced affable exclusion. Though they extended their custody to his Shylocks money, they turned their backs on him socially. When Venetian merchants needed usurer capital to pay their business ventures, Jews flocked to Venice in large numbers.The Theme of Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Merchant Venice Essays ShakespeareThe Theme of Prejudice in the Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare William Shakespeares satirical comedy, The Merchant of Venice, is an examination of hatred and greed. Prejudice is a dominant theme in The Merchant of Venice, most notably taking the form of anti-Semitism. Shylock is stereotypically described as costumed in a recognizably Jewish way in a long gown of gabardine, pr obably black, with a red beard and/or wing like that of Judas, and a hooked putty nose or bottle nose (Charney, p. 41). Shylock is a defensive character because society is constantly reminding him he is different in religion, looks, and motivation. He finds solace in the law because he, himself, is an outcast of society. Shylock is an outsider who is not privy to the rights accorded to the citizens of Venice. The Venetians regard Shylock as a capitalist motivated solely by greed, while they saw themselves as Christian paragons of piety. When Shylock considers taking Antonios bond using his ships as collateral, his bitterness is evident when he quips, But ships are but board, sailors but men. There be land rats and water rats, water thieves and land thieves -- I mean pirates -- and then there is the peril of waters, winds, and rocks (I.iii.25). Shylock believes the Venetians are hypocrites because of their slave ownership. The Venetians justify their practice of slavery by saying si mply, The slaves are ours (IV.i.98-100). During the trial sequence, Shylock persuasively argues, You have among you many a purchased slave, which (like your asses and your dogs and mules). You us in abject and in slavish parts, because you bought them, shall I say to you, let them be free, marry them to your heirs... you will answer, The slaves are ours, -- so do I answer you The pound of flesh (which I demand of him) is dearly bought, tis mine and I will have it (IV.i.90-100). Shakespeares depiction of the Venetians is paradoxical. They are, too, a capitalist people and readily accept his money, however, shun him personally. Like American society, 16th century Venice sought to solidify their commercial reputation through integration, but at the same time, practiced social exclusion. Though they extended their hands to his Shylocks money, they turned their backs on him socially. When Venetian merchants needed usurer capital to finance their business ventures, Jews flocked to V enice in large numbers.