Shylock's Character

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* In Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, Bassanio is desperately in need of three thousand ducats in order to travel to Belmont to seek the hand of his love, Portia. Fortunately, he manages to borrow the money from Shylock, a wealthy Jew, on the credit of his loyal friend Antonio. Shylock, who despises Antonio for his anti-Semitic behavior towards him, urges Antonio to sign a bond stating that the loan must be repaid in three months or Shylock will exact a pound of his flesh. Unable to repay the money in time, Antonio is forced to face Shylock in court who ruthlessly seeks revenge. However, Shylock is eventually held guilty for attempting to execute a Christian and is forced to give up his fortune and to convert to Christianity. Shylock loses everything that has meant the most to him: his fortune, his daughter and his religion. Shylock is the most interesting character in this play because he can be perceived in a number of different ways. This multi-faceted character can be perceived as a villain who deserves scorn and rejection, a victim who lives in a prejudiced and intolerant society, and a tragic figure who has admirable traits worthy of respect, but who destroys himself by giving in to his flaws and weaknesses. * * Although Shylock may initially appear to be a brutal villain, one cannot help but sympathize for the misfortune that has befallen Shylock. He endures racial discrimination, his daughter’s abandonment, and unjust treatment in court. Shylock lived through discrimination and was often “spet upon,” (I.iii.122) “mocked at” (III.1.55) and “laughed at,” (III.i.54) solely because of his religion. He lives in a world of anti-Semitism and prejudice and only wishes to be treated with the justice and equality he deserves. The fact that Shylock can be seen as a victim becomes even more evident when his daughter, Jessica betrays him. She even
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