...An Analysis of Shylock's Speech in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice By Hamada Shehdeh Abid Dawood Discourse Analysis English Department Faculty of Arts Hebron University 2010/2011 Abstract This paper aims at examining, analyzing and revealing Shylock's utterances in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, by relating his words to the power, ideology, value, and etc. in the play. What is found in this study is that Shylock, the Jew merchant, lacks power and ideology, but when he seeks to find these elements, he loses all of them. In addition, Shylock's language varies from both situations. When he is the weaker, he is the source where Christians used to evacuate their insults. Introduction William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and was the son of a glove maker. When he was 18, he married Anne Hathaway, and had three children. At the age of 20, he left Stratford and went to London where he became an actor and playwright. William Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice around 1596. It is regarded by some scholars as the strongest and most successful of Shakespeare's early comedies (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2002). Shakespeare’s portrayal of Shylock has long been fodder for debate among scholars. By Shakespeare’s time, Jews had been officially banned from England for centuries. Because of this, they had come to represent to many citizens of the time a sinister unknown. Shylock’s inability to grant mercy to Antonio and his tendency to value...
Words: 4115 - Pages: 17
...Professor English 111 30 September 2010 Paper 1 In the play Merchant of Venice, Bassanio asks Antonio for a loan in order to become a contender among other wealthy suitors for Portia’s heart. Throughout the years Bassanio has requested large sums of money from Antonio; however he has never repaid most of it. Even so, he doesn’t even pause to ask for yet another loan. Due to Antonio’s secret underlying romantic feelings for Bassanio, he secures a loan with the collateral being his own life. I found this issue in the play to be one of great familiarity to a situation that has been present in my life for almost five years now. In order to describe the situation with some anonymity, I’m going to refer to sibling of my parent as Shelly and use the term “parent” for gender inclusivity purposes. As a child growing up, I always referred to Shelly as my fun aunt. She always wore trendy clothes, had a young, pretty appearance, drove a cool car, and knew how to have fun. From my parent’s side of the family, stories of Shelly growing up always revolved around a theme of Shelly being the most spoiled out of six children. Shelly was the youngest of all of the girls. If Shelly wanted it, she would either get it automatically or throw a fit until she got it. During my teenage years there were many instances that arose where Shelly needed to borrow money from my parent. In one instance that I can recall vividly, Shelly’s car was being repossessed. She called my parent in tears and panicked...
Words: 1169 - Pages: 5
...Shylock, Victim or Villain? Shakespears Merchant of Venice is about a merchant, named Antonio, who is approached by his best friend, Bassanio. Bassanio then asks Antonio to borrow 3000 ducats to fit in with the rich and luxorious, as he plans to marry the woman he loves, Portia. But, Antonio has put all his money into over seas voyages. So instead of lending him the 3000 ducuts, Antonio approaches Shylock, the Jewish money lender and asks him for 3000 ducats. Shylock agrees to the deal but only on the terms that if Antonio should forfeit the bond or not pay back within 3 months, then Shylock can cut a fair pound of Antonois body, where ever he wishes. Antonio agrees to Shylock’s term. Shylock, the antagonist of the play, is oftan potrayed as a villain or a victim. This next quote is said by Shylock when Bassanio and Antonio are sorting out the terms of the bond with Shylock. "How like a fawning publican he looks, I hate him for he is a Christian." This quote shows that Shylock has a hatred for Antonio because he is a christian. Although this could be due to the fact that Antonio treats Shylock badly by spitting on his 'gaberdine' and calling him names. Shylock could be thinking that all Christians are like that and that is why he hates them. In this part of the play Shylock is a villain. This next quote is said when Shylock is conversing with Salanio and Salarino. "If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? if you poison us, do we not...
Words: 723 - Pages: 3
...Name College Course Instructor Date Law in The Merchant of Venice The works of William Shakespeare have always been the most favorite of the readers. His works are not just written in beautiful and poetic language, but touches different problems, actual in every period. Shakespeare’s works are full of sense and poetry; they are able to evoke deep feelings and make consider our life from different perspectives. The present paper is devoted to the discussion of The Merchant of Venice and the problem of law and justice that Shakespeare discusses in it. The Merchant of Venice is one the most famous Shakespearian works, where the theme of law is carefully discussed and it seen through the whole play, either implicitly oк openly. The merchant of Venice is of course, clearly “legal” in content. Virtually this play is tangentially concerned with certain aspect of the law and in the play; Shakespeare uses complex legal jargon and vocabulary to elicit a laugh. This play is closely connected with the theme of law, and it is not surprising that the interdisciplinary learning of law and Shakespeare has grown into a completely recognized field, with main law schools offering the advanced degrees. The Merchant of Venice “ is the first play that evoked so lively discussions among the lawyers more than any other Shakespeare play. It is possible to find a discussion of each legal concept discussed in the play, a detailed legal analysis of the trial scene, presented...
Words: 878 - Pages: 4
...The Merchant of Venice Summary of the Book The Merchant of Venice is an interesting novel focusing on the Merchant, Shylock, who lends money to the poor in Venice and expects high interest that is over the amount borrowed. The story starts with a former generous Merchant, Antonio, talking to his friend Salarino and Solanio. He is sad, but he claims it is not about his wealth. He says, “In sooth, I know not…” He has shipped a number of goods that are still stuck in the ocean. When Bassanio approaches him for money he does not have any, he refers him to Shylock, but he tells him to secure it with his own (Antonio’s) credit. We are then taken to Belmont, where we meet Portia, the woman who make Antonio borrow money because of his intention to woe her. Portia has a lot of suitors who are after her father’s wealth. 3 caskets are made, one made of Lead, Gold and Silver. Any suitor who chooses a casket that has Portia’s portrait will have the opportunity to marry her and take all her late father’s wealth. The two Princes come and choose the wrong caskets. When Basanio goes, he chooses the right casket and this makes Portia happy. Shylock, who is a Jew, is also continuing with his business. He notes that the contract period has expired. He insists on taking Antonio to the court and that he has to get a pound of flesh as agreed in their contract. Antonio pleads for mercy, he says would pay double the price, but Shylock insists that all he needs is the pound of flesh. Meanwhile, Portia...
Words: 1725 - Pages: 7
...The Merchant of Venice, a play by William Shakespeare written from 1596 to 1598 is most remembered for its dramatic scenes inspired by its main character Shylock. However, merchant Antonio, instead of the Jewish moneylender Shylock, is the play’s most famous character. Although frequently staged today, the play presents a great deal of controversy due to its central anti-Semitic themes. In actual fact, the play holds a strong stance on anti-Semitism. Over the Elizabethan era English society had been regarded as anti-Semitic until the rule of Oliver Cromwell. Jews, often depicted as avaricious usurers, were hideously caricaturized with bright red wigs and hooked noses, and so were mainly associated with evil, greed and deception. In the 1600s in Venice Jews were required to put on red hats as a symbol of their identity. Failure to adhere to this requirement resulted in the death penalty. The then Jews lived in a ghetto which was protected by Christians for their own safety. For such protection Jews should have paid their guards, and Shakespeare’s is regarded as a vivid example of such anti-Semitic tradition. More than that, critics argue that Shakespeare intended to contrast the vengefulness of a Jew lacking religious grace to comprehend mercy with the mercy of the main Christian characters. At that Shakespeare showed Shylock’s forced conversion to Christianity as it redeemed Shylock both from his unbelief and his willingness to kill Antonio. Therefore, the anti-Semitic...
Words: 610 - Pages: 3
...Shylock was a victim of vengeance throughout the whole book of “The Merchant of Venice”. Shylock was treated badly every single day by Christians and was even referred to as “the Jew” for most of the book. The racism towards Shylock, although very common back then, was very derogatory. Then again, it is possible that the reason Shylock was treated so terribly was because of his all-out bitterness towards everyday life. One could say that Shylock was hated only because of his Jewishness, but he was also not the nicest man. Jewish people were treated very unfairly back in those times, and because Shylock was jewish, he was treated unfairly. In the book, Shylock said, "I hate him for he is a Christian," and “him” being Antonio. Shylock hated Antonio because Antonio lended money without charging any interest, while Shylock charged very high rates of interest. Consequently, this cut into Shylock's profit margins and additionally earned him a bad reputation. The hatred for Antonio was absolutely understandable. Antonio ruined Shylock’s business and basically spit on everything that he represented. One night, Shylock went to a party, and when he came home he found that his daughter and his ducats were gone. Shylock lost all that he had loved. Shylock was an outcast to society, and one could even say that he was an underdog. When Antonio and Bassanio confronted Shylock for the loan of ducats, Shylock saw that he had an opportunity. He finally got the opportunity to end the...
Words: 417 - Pages: 2
...The Merchant of Venice ACT I SCENE I. Venice. A street. Enter ANTONIO, SALARINO, and SALANIO ANTONIO In sooth, I know not why I am so sad: It wearies me; you say it wearies you; But how I caught it, found it, or came by it, What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born, I am to learn; And such a want-wit sadness makes of me, That I have much ado to know myself. SALARINO Your mind is tossing on the ocean; There, where your argosies with portly sail, Like signiors and rich burghers on the flood, Or, as it were, the pageants of the sea, Do overpeer the petty traffickers, That curtsy to them, do them reverence, As they fly by them with their woven wings. SALANIO Believe me, sir, had I such venture forth, The better part of my affections would Be with my hopes abroad. I should be still Plucking the grass, to know where sits the wind, Peering in maps for ports and piers and roads; And every object that might make me fear Misfortune to my ventures, out of doubt Would make me sad. SALARINO My wind cooling my broth Would blow me to an ague, when I thought What harm a wind too great at sea might do. I should not see the sandy hour-glass run, But I should think of shallows and of flats, And see my wealthy Andrew dock'd in sand, Vailing her high-top lower than her ribs To kiss her burial. Should I go to church And see the holy edifice of stone, And not bethink me straight of dangerous rocks, Which touching but my gentle vessel's side, Would scatter...
Words: 22174 - Pages: 89
...| The Merchant of Venice Similarity | The Similarities between The Jew of Malta and The Merchant of Venice | | Sekarlita CİNTYADEWİ | 11/20/2015 | English Language TeachingFaculty of EducationAnadolu University | | | The Similarities between The Jew of Malta and The Merchant of Venice The Merchant of Venice, a play written by Shakespeare in 16th century, has always succesfully attracted its reader from the first time it was published till today. Some English-speaking countries still perform this play frequently. Even though this play is classified as a comedy play, The Merchant of Venice is best known for its dramatic scenes. Surprisingly, even after centuries has passed, some similarities in The Merchant of Venice can be seen in today’s movie. A movie titled The Jew of Malta, which is produced in 2013 under the Grand father movie production, and is an inspiration of Christoper Marlowe’s play with the same title, has some obvious similarities with The Merchant of Venice. This movie is casted by Seth Duerr as Barabas, Katherine Heaney as Abigail, Barabas’ daughter and many more. The play and the movie is similar in some ways. The main character in The Merchant of Venice and The Jew of Malta are protagonist Jewish, Barabas in The Jew of Malta and Shylock in The Merchant of Venice. Both of their central plots is anti-semitism, a prejudice against, hatred of, or discrimination against Jews as an ethnic, religious, or racial group. Both Shylock and Barabas...
Words: 363 - Pages: 2
...Marginalization in William Shakespeare’s - The Merchant of Venice The normal human experiences we acknowledge everyday are built of a multitude of emotions, feelings, attitudes, values and characteristics that differentiate us from other beings like animals. The fabric of our human nature is a reflection of the human experience, our beliefs, attitudes, and events that we go through compacting different ideologies into our mindsets. William Shakespeare, through his plays presents these ideologies, attitudes and values, both relevant and present in the Elizabethan context as well as in a modern context. Through a reading and analysis of Shakespearean plays we can see the ideology of how through the marginalization of society, there is a cultivation of the cycle of hatred, leading to revenge, preventable if we are able to open up and be merciful and forgive instead of succumbing to hatred and revenge. These feelings of mercy, hate, forgiveness, and revenge are built into the core of our human nature, and hence it has been present in the people of society during Shakespearean times as well as being easily relatable and understandable to our modern day society, due to it being in the fabric of our human experience and nature since the start of the human civilization. Modern day society struggles with the woes of marginalization on a daily basis, as well as in past important events that has changed the course of history and society. From daily issues such as the people who detests...
Words: 1724 - Pages: 7
...In The Merchant of Venice and Pygmalion, Portia and Eliza on the surface seem to be typical women of their time, sold to men and told who to marry. Although more than 300 years separate these two plays, the role of females is very similar in that they are portrayed by society as objects of desire. Women typically got their identity from that of their husband’s power and status. Portia and Eliza both illustrate how women can have great influence and which is unheard of from women in the renaissance and early 20th century. Shakespeare and Shaw use female characters to convey the true definition of feminism by creating heroic and independent characteristics in Portia and Eliza. As seen in both the Merchant of Venice and Pygmalion, Eliza and Portia were both given arranged marriages and told who they belong to. This was the common thing that was done in renaissance time (Merchant of Venice) and also in the early 1900’s (Pygmalion). In Pygmalion, Higgins says “Very well, then, what on earth is all this fuss about? The girl doesn't belong to anybody—is no use to anybody but me”, Higgins is implying that Eliza doesn’t belong to anyone at the moment, meaning that a girl should belong to someone. In Merchant of Venice, Nerissa is quoted “Your father was ever virtuous; and holy men at their death have good inspirations: therefore the lottery, that he hath devised in these three chests of gold, silver and lead, whereof who chooses his meaning chooses you, will, no doubt, never be chosen...
Words: 1055 - Pages: 5
...of The Merchant of Venice The play that was read is The Merchant of Venice. The author is William Shakespeare. This is a very good play with many lessons in it. Loyalty is a big part of the play, it is a big part of life. Loyalty is an important part of any relationship with friends, parents, and lovers. Loyalty is an important part of friendship. Loyalty seems to be a big part in this play. There were many examples of loyalty. One of them was when Bassanio was loyal to his best friend Antonio. Bassanio left his wife Portia to go help save Antonio from dying. That is a very loyal friendship. Parents are the people that deserve the most loyalty. Not being loyal to parents can make them lose respect for their child. In the play, Jessica was not loyal to her father. She stole his jewels, money, and ran away with Lorenzo. When she did this, her father resented her. Parents deserve to be treated loyally. Loyalty is especially important between lovers. In the play, Portia was loyal to Bassanio. When his friend Antonio was in trouble, she pretended to be a lawyer to go help him. She also gave Bassanio money for Antonio. Lovers should always be loyal to each other. Loyalty is an important part of any relationship with parents, friends, and lovers. Loyalty is an important part of any friendship. Parents are the people that deserve the most loyalty. People should be loyal to their lover. Everyone deserves to be treated with loyalty. Bibliography The Merchant of Venice. Shakespeare...
Words: 268 - Pages: 2
...Anti-Semitism and the desecration of the Jewish population have been in existence for nearly five thousand years. In William Shakespeare's “The Merchant of Venice”, we find that one of the characters is the subject and expression of anti-Semitic attitude that is persistent in Elizabethan society. William Shakespeare's “The Merchant of Venice” contains many examples that insult Jewish heritage because they were the minority in London in Shakespearean time. Although many parts of the play could be interpreted as offensive in modern times, Elizabethan audiences found them comical. The majority of London's population at the time was anti-Semitic because there were very few Jews living there. Shakespeare's “The Merchant of Venice” supports anti-Semitism actions and thoughts and therefore proves that Shakespeare was an anti-Semite. Antonio and Shylock, two similar businessmen of Venice, are viewed differently and are treated oppositely because Shylock is not a Christian but a Jew. One example of this is the way Launcelot treats Shylock in Act 2. In act 2, Launcelot is debating with himself whether or not he should seek a new master. Launcelot's problem is that he works for Shylock, who is Jewish. Launcelot persuades himself that, "Certainly the Jew [Shylock] is the very devil incarnation." Eventually, Launcelot convinces himself that he would much rather run away than be ruled by a Jew. Launcelot presents this argument to his father: "I am a Jew if I serve the Jew any longer."...
Words: 1259 - Pages: 6
...The Merchant of Venice opens on a street in Venice, where Antonio, a Venetian merchant, complains of a sadness he can't quite explain. His friends suggest they'd be sad too if they had as much merchandise to worry about as Antonio. Apparently all of his money is tied up in various sea ventures to exotic locales. But Antonio is certain it's not money that's bothering him. Antonio's friend Bassanio enters the scene, and we learn that Bassanio has been at the forefront of Antonio's mind. Apparently Bassanio just got back from a secret trip to see an heiress named Portia in Belmont. Bassanio financed his trip (and in fact, his entire lifestyle) by borrowing tons of money from Antonio. Portia is beautiful, intelligent, and, most important, rich. If Bassanio could only get together the appearance of some wealth, he would be in a good position to compete with all the other guys vying for Portia's attention. If they marry, he's all set financially. Antonio would be happy to lend Bassanio the money he needs to woo Portia, except, as we know, all of Antonio's money is at sea. The two friends part ways, agreeing that they'll try to raise the funds on Antonio's credit around town. Meanwhile, even rich heiresses have their troubles. Portia is plagued by suitors from the four corners of the earth but isn't allowed to choose the one she wants. Instead, her father, before his death, devised an unusual test. Three caskets – one gold, one silver, and one lead – are laid out before each suitor...
Words: 1615 - Pages: 7
...“Bigoted and spiteful”and “well-intentioned and loyal”, which of these views best describes the character of Antonio in your question. In “Merchant of Venice”, Antonio is the main character as he is the “merchant” in the story in Venice. As Antonio is a Christian, he is quite anti-Semitic and rude to Shylock, making some people believe that he is spiteful and bigoted. However, most of the play centers on him being the victim of the “villain” of the play, Shylock due to their bond they made. As Antonio is willing to give everything for Bassanio without any payment and he strikes at any chance to help Bassanio, I believe Shakespearian and modern audiences would believe him to be more of a well-intentioned and loyal friend. At the start of the play, when Bassanio and Antonio are discussing about their friendship, Antonio proudly mentions that “ {His} purse, {his} person, {his} extremest means lie all unlocked to {Bassanio’s} occasions.” This quotation starts off with a tricolon, which builds up from “my purse”, showing how Antonio is willing to give his money; to “my person”, showing how Antonio is willing to give his body for Bassanio; to “my extremest means”, showing how Antonio will go very far for Bassanio, showing his loyalty and strong friendship with Bassanio. “Purse” and “person” also have soft plosives, showing his sincerity and determination. “Lie unlocked” shows his generosity and how he will share everything he has with Bassanio. “Your occasions” shows his loyalty...
Words: 858 - Pages: 4
