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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villain and a victim. A victim can be defined as an unfortunate person who suffers from a destructive action or through the dishonesty of others. Although Shylock is viewed by Christians in the play as a cruel man‚ Shylock is a victim because he is mistreated‚ betrayed and his possessions‚ culture and dignity are taken away from him‚ all because he is a Jew. Shylock is a victim of the play because he is mistreated. Shylock is being abused by Christians but mostly Antonio. Shylock says‚ “You call
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wealthy man called Shylock who is facing a lot of religious rivalry at the time. Antonio’s friend Bassanio comes to him to ask for money. Antonio agrees‚ but now has to borrow money himself‚ as all his money is invested in his ships and trade. Bassanio wants the money so that he can sail to Belmont to his love Portia‚ a rich and beautiful heiress‚ and ask for her hand in marriage. Shylock and Antonio are already enemies‚ but Shylock agrees to lend 3000 ducats on Antonio’s bond. Shylock then offers a ‘fake’
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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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Critical Evalution Is Shylock a Villain or Victim? A victim is someone who has been singled out for cruelor unfair treatment. A villain is a wicked person or a criminal. The question is does Shakespare portray Shylock‚ the Jewish moneylender as more of a villain than a victim in "The Merchant of Venice" The first scene is one of the main scences in which Shylock could be seen more as a victim. In this scence Bassanio goes to Antonio‚ a merchant of Venice and his good friend. Bassianio
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of Venice‚ the character of Shylock proves‚ ultimately‚ to be a victim of himself. Shylock brings about his own demise through his own deeds and misdeeds. Shylock begins to cause his own misfortune when Antonio approaches him for a loan to aid Bassanio in courting Portia. At first‚ Shylock is wary to lend Antonio the money. "I am debating of my present store...I cannot instantly raise up the gross of full three thousand ducats...Tubal...will furnish me (13)". Shylock realizes that he does not have
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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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the storyline. In Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice‚ Shylock is presented as the most developed character. Shakespeare purposely creates both an antagonist and protagonist in Shylock‚ by creating a change in view for the reader throughout the play. He can be viewed as a hated Jew that is often referred to as a villain‚ a devil‚ and a money obsessed freak‚ but a sudden change of personality tends to always occur. We first see Shylock as a person who chooses everything over money‚ but later we
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the storyline. In Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice‚ Shylock is presented as the most developed character. Shakespeare purposely creates both an antagonist and protagonist in Shylock‚ by creating a change in view for the reader throughout the play. He can be viewed as a hated Jew that is often referred to as a villain‚ a devil‚ and a money obsessed freak‚ but a sudden change of personality tends to always occur. We first see Shylock as a person who chooses everything over money‚ but later we
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