The Structure Of The Merchant Venice English Literature Essay.
Shylock’s argument reflects his mastery of merchandising and thus he no longer adheres to the laws of humans but adheres to the rules of trade. This is evident in the last four lines of Shylock’s dialogue when he proclaims that no law in Venice will stop him from collecting the terms of the bond.
William Shakespeare also portrays Shylock as a merciless Jew. This shows us that back in Venetian times, Shylock being merciless is a reflection of the values of Venice of the day. Shylock’s thirst for revenge is evident. Shylock learns that his rebellious daughter runs away and elopes with a Christian.
A monologue is a speech an actor or comedian gives to an audience. For example, Shylock shows his true colors in this monologue in Act I of The Merchant of Venice, as he describes his enemy.
Shylock: I am a Jew. Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases.
Antonio says that on Shylocks death, half the money will go to his daughter and her Christian husband, he also demands that Shylock become a Christian. The way people view the character of Shylock has changed through the centuries, in the seventeenth century he was seen as a savage villain who is contrasted with the other characters’ comical and romantic styles.
Shakespeare writes Shylock’s speech as if he is pleading with Salarino to stop treating him as if he is something other than a human being. Perhaps Shakespeare is using Shylock as the voice of the Jewish community talking to the Christian community.
In this essay I will try to discover is Shylock a villain or a victim, in the William Shakespeare play “The Merchant of Venice” It is difficult to say if Shylock is a complete villain or a victim, as his character is complex and ambiguous. However, it is difficult to view Shylock as anything other than a devious, bloodthirsty and heartless.