The Theme of Prejudice in 'The Merchant of Venice'

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In the thought provoking comedy “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare we are introduced to a Jewish money lender Shylock. Shylock helps build the main them of the play “Prejudice” and “All is not what it seems”. In this essay I will be analysing and observing Shylock to understand whether he is a victim of prejudice or villain who deserves his misfortune.

Antonio, a rich merchant, is, without any reason, depressed. His friends suggest he worried about his cargo ships, or he is in love. He dismisses both ideas. In the past Antonio has lent his friend, Bassanio money but has never received it back. This time Bassanio wants money to try for a rich heiress’ hand in marriage. In order for Antonio to lend Bassanio money he must go to Venice to take out a loan. Antonio goes to a Jewish money lender called Shylock, In the past Antonio has been racist and nasty towards Shylock and Shylock makes a bond with Antonio that if he doesn’t pay the Three Thousand Ducats back within the three months of the loan, then Antonio must forfeit a pound of his flesh closest to his heart. Antonio is very confident that his ships will return and agrees to the bond and gets the money for Bassanio. Bassanio goes to Belmont, where Portia, the rich heiress lives. Bassanio chooses the right casket and he wins the right to marry Portia. Antonio’s ships get wrecked at sea so he is broke and cannot pay the three thousand ducats back to Shylock, so he must lose a pound of his flesh. Portia, Bassanio’s new wife, tells Bassanio to go to Venice and save his friend. Whilst this has gone on Shylocks daughter, Jessica has run away with Antonio’s friend Lorenzo and has taken all of Shylocks money with her. Shylock is very angry and is looking for revenge, so he decides that he doesn’t want Antonio’s money anymore, he wants to take his flesh.
Shylock is introduced to us as a money lender and as
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