Merchant of Venice

Through the development of Shylock and Portia, Shakespeare has been able to address the main issues of The Merchant Of Venice such as mercy, law and revenge but he also questions their principles of trust. Also through Shylock, there are other issues such as racism and money that have been portrayed considerably and the role of women has also been developed by Portia. It’s not only these characters that demonstrate other major issues, as the concept of love and loyalty shown by Bassanio and Antonio, to their wives is also questionable.

Through Shylock, Shakespeare has expanded the issue of racism as Shylock is constantly being abused discriminated for being a Jew. Shakespeare depicts the Jews as being naturally spiteful and menial to Christians as a result of Shylock’s refusal to demonstrate mercy. Shylock’s fury has occured from countless years of abuse as he says “ the villainy you… better the instruction “ (Act 3 Scene 1 Line 56-57) claiming that he learnt the hatred from Christians themselves. He is often criticised for practising usury even though there are laws that prevent him from pursuing any other career as Christians see it as immoral.

The Christian characters in the play believe that being Christian is a requirement for being human as Shylock is criticized as being a devil or animal. With Gratiano remarking “o, be thou damn’d inexecrable dog! “ (Act 4 Scene 1 Line 128),
Shakespeare has attempted to characterise Shylock as an inhumane scoundrel whose has a wicked desire for Christian flesh. Shylock defends himself in his speech where he argues “ Hath not a jew…as a Christian is “(Act 3 Scene 1 Line 46-50), defining humanity by illustrating his biological attributes with the Christians.

Shakespeare has also developed the significant issue of money through Shylock as he is the merchant of Venice. He is portrayed as a cold-hearted man that would sacrifice anything for money, with his daughter Jessica not even an exception. The main ideas of the play have resulted from money disputes as the debt of 3000 ducats stirred up many other controversies such as the law and mercy. Shylock’s daughter Jessica also elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian and steals all her father’s money and goods, enraging him as he is more concerned by the money than by Jessica herself.

Portia was aware that there was a way of keeping Antonio alive all along, but rather than applying justice immediately, she chooses to give Shylock a chance to show mercy. Despite the many chances he was given, Shylock failed to show even the slightest bit of mercy toward Antonio as the law was to Shylock’s advantage, portraying him as the villain. However when the law is unexpectedly turned against him and Shylock is forced to kneed and plead for mercy, Portia strips him of his bond, estate and dignity. Portia then takes away his religion, forcing him to convert to a Christian, therefore resulting in him being unable to practise usury, which leaves him without a job.