Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" shows a series of human experiences, lived by the characters. These experiences differ between people due to the context of the work. Set in Venice, the atmosphere is multicultural, exotic and extremely driven by money and power. This text is a great example of how being human is a profound paradox, shown through Shylock's actions. Shylock is portrayed as a paradoxical character throughout the text as we understand him as an undisciplined and cruel Jew, whose selfish behavior is contradicted by his emotions and beliefs. So throughout the play, the outspoken feminist Portia also proves to be a paradox to society as she determines her own destiny and manipulates situations for her own humor. The example of these two characters demonstrates how human beings are a profound paradox. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In "The Merchant of Venice" we understand that Shylock is selfish, heartless and obsessed with money. Due to the context of the play, he is seen as a stereotypical Jew of the time who faced persecution from Venetian Christians. Although throughout the play, it is revealed that Shylock has a reason to justify his mischief. Due to continued persecution, Shylock has been forced to develop resentment over his treatment and develops evil and irrational characteristics. An example of this in the text is when the Duke asks Shylock to show mercy to Antonio, but Shylock refuses. While he does not provide a valid explanation as to why he will show no mercy to Antonio, he states: “You will ask me why I would rather have a burden of carrion flesh than receive three thousand ducats. I won't answer, but I say it's my humor. Is there an answer?". This statement demonstrates how Shylock's boring and direct language is used to offend Antonio by comparing his flesh to that of "carrion flesh", but to also demonstrate that he derives humor from the idea of ​​harm towards of Antonio Although his argument may not be valid for the Duke, Shylock's resentment towards Antonio is made evident Although to the audience Shylock is seen as unreasonable, his actions are revealed to be due to his previous treatment. This is where Shylock is seen as a paradox to the human experience, as he makes the audience sympathize with him, even though he is seen as a villain. Shylock's evil traits are a creation of circumstances as the audience understands him as one victim of persecution. Shylock emphasizes the point of equality between Jews and Christians and states his emotional speech in which he exclaims “Does a Jew have no eyes, no hands, no organs, no dimensions, no senses, no passions? – fed the same food, wounded with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases.” Through this speech the audience understands how emotionally damaged Shylock is due to the persecution events, which is in great contrast to his previous behavior of cruelty. Through this speech, Shylock's perception shifts from a villain to a victim of society, and he is seen as weak and full of emotions, which the audience had not been exposed to before in the show. This paradox of turning from villain to victim demonstrates the idea that being human is a profound paradox, and in Shylock's case, it depends on the context of the time and the circumstances that determine a person's character and emotions. Furthermore, Portia is presented as "the perfect woman". Described as being handsome, intelligent and polite. However, beneath the perception of her ways and beauty is the drive to determine.