Shylock Victim Or Villain
Victim or Villain
'The Merchant of Venice' by William Shakespeare creates an emotionally complex personality in the character of Shylock. The majority of time he is portrayed as a malicious and evil villain, yet I am convinced the bitterness he now displays to the world, is a direct effect from years from the suffering he has endured. Therefore in my opinion he is a victim.
Prejudice is the main cause of misery in Shylock's life. Over the years he has been mocked for his religious beliefs. 'For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe,' he says. He is treated with inequality everywhere he goes and his religious conviction is frequently referred to. 'This currish Jew', 'Mark, Jew' and 'Tarry Jew.' He is also taunted with 'cut-throat dog' and 'inexecrable dog.' The fact that he is described as an animal shows others regard him as less than human. He has been isolated in a Christian community and even in the courtroom he is treated like an outsider -- 'call the Jew into court.' This injustice that is constantly displayed, has clearly generated fierce feelings of anger, and a deep-seated desire for revenge. Therefore I would say this is the cause for his desperate craving for Antonio's bond.
The second point I would like to make is that Antonio was no stranger to Shylock. They are business rivals with a firm dislike for each other. Antonio has shown Shylock even less courtesy than everyone else. 'You call me 'misbeliever', 'cut-throat dog', and spit upon my Jewish gaberdine.' Says Shylock, 'He hath disgraced me and hindered me half a million, laughed at my losses, mocked at my gains, scorned my nation, thwarted my bargains, cooled my friends, heated my enemies - and what's his reason? I am a Jew.' This listing technique emphasises Shylock's fury and distress. Antonio has clearly gone out of his way to cause Shylock trouble in the past, therefore providing Shylock with many reasons to despise him and seek revenge....
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