'The Merchant of Venice' is a comic play written by William Shakespeare in the period between 1596 and 1597, when there was a constant altercation between Christians and Jews within Venetian society. Shakespeare wrote the play in a time when Jews were considered of lesser importance than Christians, where many were too afraid to share their religion for fear of persecution or anti-Semitic behavior. Initially, during the Elizabethan era, audiences would have perceived this play as funny because it was aimed at those who were Christians. Shylock would be seen as a comical villain stereotype due to his bright red beard, continually despised and mistreated by the audience. In comparison to our modern society, where contemporary audiences would view this show in a serious light with a sense of empathy due to the prejudice and discrimination received from current religious groups. Throughout the play, the protagonist (Shylock) is defined as a villain or a victim due to his individual beliefs and actions displayed before the audience. This division between good and evil is one of the main themes that is portrayed through the character of Shylock as he develops within the play and this, therefore, is my main focus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay From the beginning of the play, Shylock's scheming nature can be interpreted as characteristic of a villain due to the first time he speaks in Act 1 Scene 3. Shylock's opening phrase "three thousand ducats" immediately conveys the I publish a man who considers wealth a priority over everything that is of value to him, indicating evil traits. Furthermore, the point of view of an Elizabethan audience would perceive Shylock as "the devil" due to his strong religious hostility against a society composed primarily of Christians. However, it could be argued that this hatred for Shylock equally has a negative effect on the Jewish community, which fueled the motive for his revenge against Antonio. This is because Shylock perceives Antonio as someone he sees only in light of anguish over his hate crimes and disrespectful behavior. This is evident when he admits the same prejudices based on the opposite religion, indicating that he "hated him because he was a Christian." Furthermore, the use of soliloquy here creates a sense of tension between the audience and the characters, as we understand the untold reasons for Shylock's indignant behavior. Many people believe that "The Merchant of Venice" portrays anti-Semitic behavior throughout the play, just as we understand Shakespeare's intentions in presenting Shylock as a 'Jewish moneylender'; whose main priority is to work smoothly. This is because at the same time in 16th century Venice, Jews were discriminated against due to their presentation and religion, forced to work as usurers. This is evident when Shylock is victimized for his appearance when Antonio; "spits" on his "Jewish gabardine". In my opinion, this is a surprisingly emotional line as Shylock's language is sober and frank unlike the Christians before him who are full of hypocrisy – as they similarly describe him as a "merciless dog". By presenting Shylock as someone who is "ruthless", it may have connotations towards someone who is very cunning and ruthless in business; especially using the animal motif: "dog". Next, this is ironic because Christians made it that way. Therefore, this presents Shylock as a figure of fun, but also a victim sinceconveys the verbal and physical abuse he often endures, provoking a sense of empathy from modern audiences. Here, Shakespeare offers his audience a religious theme, which most could relate to since, during the Tudor period, there had been frequent persecutions against people of different origins.faiths. Essentially, in Act 3 Scene 1, Shylock gives an enlightening speech on the prospects of prejudice and its effect on mutual hatred through the use of the list, which increases the tension to the point where he just wants revenge. Shylock uses simple, straightforward prose when he states that he has the same: “organs, dimensions, senses, affections, and passions” as a Christian. This highlights that although people in society may have different beliefs, this should not affect or confront their individual humanity. Especially for a modern audience, I believe this could evoke a distinct emotion of sympathy as it suggests that despite Shylock being dehumanized by the Christians, he is still able to express his feelings and emotions. Thus showing a touching character with a range of complex feelings, however, this negates his previously seen stereotypical role. The use of prose indicates Shakespeare's further intentions to alienate Shylock as his speech lacks formality and metic structure due to his being lower class, drawing attention to those of the upper class - Antonio. Likewise, Shylock's speech culminates in the idea of ​​revenge when he speaks directly to the Christian audience by explaining that "whatever wickedness you teach me, I will perform." Throughout the story, "if a Christian harms a Jew", he is free to carry out actions of "vengeance" and so, therefore, Shylock believes that if Christians should be forgiving and are not, then their teachings have led to understand this. principle of "revenge". Furthermore, this speech can be seen from the perspective of an Elizabethan who would most likely see Shylock's frustration as something filled with humor. However, a modern audience, including myself, may believe that Shylock's pained and passionate tone is intended as a way of persuasion and request for understanding. Shakespeare presents Shylock as an evil Jew within a prosperous and powerful Venetian court in Act 4. Scene 1, where our sympathies may shift towards the Christian Antonio as his life may be at risk. During the scene, the tone shifts to a sense of tragedy as Antonio prepares for death by explaining it; “I will pay for it right away with all my heart.” From this we can deduce that Antonio is willing to pay with his life to correct his previous action and his fatal flaws. This causes a feeling of disgust and animosity towards Shylock, the "Jew" who is trying to kill a Christian, who from the perspective of the Elizabethan audience might consider innocent. This is because they believe that someone of their own religion will be deprived of their life because of a "strange" "Jew", "inhuman wretch" who cannot possess the Christian "quality of mercy". Next, the use of strong and powerful adjectives indicates Shylock's evil intentions. In my opinion, a modern audience might see society as hypocritical, suggesting that the Christian way of thinking, ironically, is not as perfect as it might seem at first glance. Furthermore, Shylock can be seen as a misguided victim at the end of this scene, as he is haunted for his past intentions to fulfill his bond, losing everything that was important to him. This is evident when Shylock is ordered to "seek the life of any citizen", indicating that he must become a Christian or else he will be victimized and subject to harsh treatment.