The Merchant of Venice is a compelling and though-provoking comedy by William Shakespeare. The theme of prejudice is highlighted through the plot, subplot, structure and characters. I found this play a gripping and engaging tale.
The Merchant of Venice is set in Venice, Italy, during the late 1500s. It is about Antonio, the merchant, who lends his friend Bassanio money so that he can go and meet his love, Portia, who stays in Belmont. Antonios ships are out at sea and he has no money to lend Bassanio, so Antonio tells him to go out into the city and see what credit he can get in Antonios name. This is where we are introduced to Shylock, a Jewish money lender. Shylock contemplates on lending the many to Bassanio but demands to talk to Antonio. Shylock is not willing to just lend Antonio the money and so he makes a bond with him, which Antonio agrees to willingly. Shylock states that if Antonio does not pay back the three ducats he has borrowed then, Shylock will take a pound of Antonios flesh. The theme of prejudice is highlighted through the structure of the play. The idea that it is a comedy means that everyone has a happy ending. However, there is one character who does not have a happy ending and that is Shylock, the Jewish money lender. We get the idea that around the time when this play was written and performed that the audience did not care about Jews because, they accept the fact that Shylock does not have a happy ending. In all Shakespeare writes a compelling play which successfully highlights the theme of prejudice through; the plot, structure and main characters.
Moreover, the theme of anti-semitism is highlighted through the main plot. In most of the scenes Shylock is show little respect. He is always referred to in derogatory terms such as, the Jew and never by his name. Shylock is dehumanised because he is not worthy to be called by his name because of his religion. The lack of respect Shylock is shown by the Christians is disgraceful:
You call me cut throat dog,
and spit upon my Jewish gabardine.
The phrase cut throat dog is degrading and dehumanizing. Shylock is being called to a dog which is degrading as Jews find dogs to be unclean animals. The phrase spit upon suggests aggression and violence against Shylock because of his faith. The way Shylock is treated as a human being is disgusting. He is treated with no respect and is spat upon and called derogatory names. Shakespeare provokes the feeling of great sympathy in me for Shylock because of the way he is treated. Thus, the theme of anti-semitism is explored through the treatment of Shylock.
Furthermore, the theme of anti-semitism is shown through Shylocks powerful speech. Shylock critisises the way he is treated by Antonio and other Christians:
And whats his reason
I am a Jew!
Shylock is saying that Antonios reasons for all this hatred is because of his religion. Shylock critises the way he is treated again when he states powerfully:
Hath a Jew not eyes?
hath not a Jew hands, organs,
dimensions, senses, affections, passions?...
Shylock powerfully asks are Jews not exactly the same as Christians? Shylock poignantly states the Jews are exactly the same as Christians except beliefs. The phrase hath a Jew not eyes? makes us think about how, he is a human being. That he should not be dehumanised because of his faith. Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions Shakespeare powerfully reinforces the fact that Shylock is a human being and that he is dehumanised because of his faith. Shylock is isolated because of his faith. Shylocks speech evokes the strong feeling of sympathy in me for him because of the lack of respect he is shown as a human being. Shakespeare poignantly expresses the theme of prejudice through Shylocks powerfully moving speech.
Racism is also shown in this play. The theme of racism is explored through the subplot. Portia is dismissive to the Prince of Morocco because of the colour of his skin:
If he had the condition of a
saint and the complexion of the devil
I would rather him shrive me than
wive me.
Portia states that if he is black she does not want to know him. Also in the metaphor, complexion of a devil Portia shows racism again. She says that because he is black then he is covered in sin. When the Prince of Morocco presents himself to Portia he correctly senses her racist tendencies:
Already have an account? Log In Now
3509