Shylock‚ Villain or victim? The Merchant of Venice June 8th‚ 2011 In the play The Merchant of Venice Shylock is supposed to be the protagonist‚ the definition of protagonist is; the leading character or a major character in a drama‚ movie‚ novel‚ or other fictional text. But the way Shylock is portrayed is more along the lines of being both victim and villain. Shylock is out for one pound of Antonio’s flesh which will in the end kill Antonio and the flesh will do him no good anyway. But he
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V Shylock Victim or Villain? The main or at least one of the main characters is a Jewish money-lender called Shylock living in Venice. The Jews in that time were segregated and abused by Christians. Between them the Jews and the Christians there has been a long‚ ancient grudge. Shakespeare puts the play in at the time where the ancient grudge is still strong. Shylock is a very controversial character as he in cases is a villain in some cases a victim and even in some cases both. As we are focusing
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Heathcliff: From Sympathetic Victim to Diabolical Villain Revenge is formally defined as the desire for vengeance. Many people have felt this way‚ mainly towards people who have made them suffer any time in their lives. A recurring theme in Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is revenge. Heathcliff‚ the main character‚ felt this way throughout the majority of the novel. His reasons for his villainous behavior were‚ in some instances‚ a way a victim could get back at his past oppressor‚ and at other
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Macbeth: Victim or Villain William Shakepear’s Macbeth is a tragedy that contains a perfect example of how lust for power can twist one’s thoughts‚ emotions‚ and personality. Even the noblest human being can become malicious when faced with the opportunity to gain power. Macbeth‚ the play’s protagonist‚ comes face to face with this exact dilemma‚ causing him to transform from a valiant war hero into a murderous villain. At the beginning of the play‚ Macbeth’s future is foretold by three witches
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An analysis of major characters: Shylock‚ villain or victim? Using evidence from act one and act two‚ it is believed that the revengeful shylock is indeed a villain based on his actions and statements. Firstly‚ through Shylock’s words‚ he shows how he is very spiteful. “I will buy with you‚ sell with you‚ talk with you‚ walk with you‚ and so following: but I will not eat with you drink with you‚ nor pray with you.” (1.3.30-33). In this quote‚ Shylock mentions to Bassanio how he will do everything
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revenge can be a key motivator in inspiring them to act in a villainous way. It is on such occasions‚ where villains have themselves been exposed to villainy‚ that the distinction between villain and victim becomes blurred. Victims are usually characterised in the way that they are persecuted for circumstances‚ which are beyond their control for example their appearance. In plays and novels‚ the victim is sometimes a character included to highlight the prejudices and pre-conceptions of the social climate
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often killed because of their beliefs. Such is the kind of racial discrimination toward Shylock‚ the Jewish character in "The Merchant of Venice." Some believe that the character as a greedy‚ coldhearted villain‚ which is not the case. In Shakespeare’s play‚ "The Merchant of Venice‚" Shylock was a victim of years’ struggle against discrimination toward his religion. One of the most persistent charges against Shylock was that he was cruel and bloodthirsty. Antonio says in act 4 scene 1 that it is impossible
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Brutus emerges as the most complex character in Julius Caesar and is also the play’s tragic hero. In his soliloquies‚ the audience gains insight into the complexities of his motives. He is a powerful public figure‚ but he appears also as a husband‚ a master to his servants‚ a dignified military leader‚ and a loving friend. The conflicting value systems that battle with each other in the play as a whole are enacted on a microcosmic level in Brutus’s mind. Even after Brutus has committed the assassination
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In The Merchant of Venice how does Shakespeare present both Shylock as both victim and villain? Throughout the play‚ ‘The Merchant of Venice’‚ Shylock reveals many personalities; therefore making him such an emotionally complex and detailed character that shows elements of being both a victim and villain; and to come to my decision to whether Shylock is either of the two‚ other characters language towards him and his reactions will perceive different ideas from different era’s in time to determine
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How Is Curley’s Wife Presented - Victim or Villain? Curley’s wife is the only women at the ranch in Of Mice and Men. She is generally portrayed as a young‚ lonely‚ bored and childish girl. “Baloney!” is her ‘word.’ This single word shows that she thinks she is a movie star. No one really talks like this. All the way through the book‚ it is evident this is how she sees her life; unreal‚ like a movie and dramatic. Curley’s wife is talked about before she is seen in the book. The first actual mention
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